Drugs from South America are often smuggled into Europe via the Atlantic Ocean or through West Africa, with Spain and Portugal being major entry points. The Spanish Directorate of Customs Surveillance frequently requests monitoring services from CMS, sometimes on short notice based on intelligence. In May 2017, a joint operation involving Spanish, Portuguese, U.S., and U.K. authorities targeted a South American organization in Spain known for smuggling large amounts of cocaine. Using combined intelligence, they were searching for a specific type of vessel traveling from South America to Europe. Their efforts led to the interception of the Venezuelan fishing vessel, Ali Primera, southwest of the Canary Islands. The vessel was taken to Las Palmas for investigation, where approximately 2.4 tonnes of cocaine, worth an estimated €100 million, was found on board. Seven crew members were arrested as a result.