Authorities from Spain and Portugal have intercepted a narcosubmarine carrying 6.6 tons of cocaine in the Atlantic Ocean, 500 miles south of the Azores.

This marks the first successful seizure of such a vessel in open waters before its crew could sink it.

The submarine, believed to have departed from Brazil, was en route to Europe, where the drugs were to be distributed.

Five crew members, including nationals from Spain, Brazil, and Colombia, were arrested.

The operation, named Nautilus, involved collaboration between Spanish and Portuguese police, as well as U.

S. and U.

K. anti-drug agencies.

Officials warn of the growing use of these semi-submersible vessels by organized crime to transport drugs across the Atlantic.