More Than Half a Tonne of Cocaine Washes Ashore at Playa d'en Bossa — Two Men Arrested

Major find at Playa d'en Bossa

What unfolded yesterday morning on the beach at Playa d'en Bossa alarmed residents and authorities. Around 6:30 a.m., walkers and some fishermen discovered an unattended boat in shallow water — onboard were apparently dozens of packages of drugs. Emergency services arrived shortly thereafter.

523 kilograms of cocaine, according to the Guardia Civil's preliminary estimate. The cargo was packed in several carefully tied bundles. Officers secured the area while experts counted the packages and took samples. It is an image not easily forgotten on this part of the Mediterranean.

The investigation led to two arrests. The Santa Eulàlia police and the Guardia Civil took a 30-year-old and a 38-year-old into custody. One man had already come to attention at the end of October after a routine check; the second reportedly turned himself in after learning of the operation.

How did the cargo come ashore?

Whether the boat was deliberately abandoned on the beach or got into distress is still unclear. Locals report they heard a motor at night, then later the tide and wind — and then silence. Fishermen described black plastic bags that looked like flotsam.

Maritime forensic teams and evidence specialists are now working together. They are examining the hull, searching for fingerprints, radios or GPS traces. The seizure is large; such quantities point to organized bulk shipments — an issue that repeatedly concerns the islands.

In the small bar on the corner, just behind the promenade, I heard voices this morning: “This isn’t holiday material,” a vendor said dryly. People are curious but also annoyed. Tourists watch, take photos, ask the servers; the mood is a mix of fascination and unease.

What happens next?

The seized drugs will be taken to a laboratory. Investigators are checking possible links to smuggling networks, drop-off points in the Mediterranean, or contacts on the mainland. The two detainees are being questioned; the public prosecutor's office has taken over the investigation.

Cases like this are a reminder that the islands are not just postcard scenery. They are also transit routes — often a cat-and-mouse game between smugglers and authorities. Residents hope the inquiry will bring clarity and that those responsible will be held to account.

In the short term, the Guardia Civil has announced increased patrols. For the rest of the day, Playa d'en Bossa will remain a partial cordon — beach access and parking areas have been secured.

I will follow up and report as soon as there is new information. If you saw anything, please contact the Policía Local or the Guardia Civil directly. Every detail could be important now.