**Article:**
Portuguese police, with support from the navy, air force, and international partners from the UK and US, have intercepted a shipment containing nine tonnes of cocaine near the Azores islands. The operation took place under challenging weather conditions, complicating the efforts of law enforcement. This seizure marks the largest cocaine haul ever recorded by Portuguese authorities.
The joint operation involved coordinated efforts across multiple agencies to track and secure the shipment. The successful interception highlights ongoing cooperation between Portugal and its international counterparts in combating drug trafficking in the Atlantic region.
**Why this matters:**
This record seizure underscores the scale of drug trafficking routes passing through the Atlantic and the Azores, a strategic point for maritime traffic. It also demonstrates the importance of international collaboration in tackling organized crime and drug smuggling, which have significant social and political impacts in affected countries.
Source: NewsData