Due to its proximity to Africa, Spain’s seas a significant number of migrants arriving at its shores, although the totals are well below those seen in Italy and Spain. The agency has been assisting the Spanish authorities not only at sea, but in various maritime ports and international airports.
The border guard officers, vessels and aircraft deployed by the agency to Spain have been assisting the Spanish authorities in a variety of ways: not only in border surveillance, but also in search and rescues – by saving thousands of people in distress. Experts deployed by Frontex helped the Spanish authorities in detection of forged documents, stolen cars, maritime pollution, illegal fishing and import of illegal substances and excise goods.
The Western Mediterranean region has also long been a major conduit for drug smugglers seeking to bring hashish, cannabis and cocaine by sea to the lucrative European markets. Frontex vessels and aircraft assist the Spanish authorities to disrupt the drug smuggling operations.
Officers deployed by Frontex in Spain take part in various joint operations, including three focused on Spain’s sea borders: Hera, Indalo and Minerva.
Operations Hera, Indalo and Minerva in numbers (26 July 2016-22 Sept 2016)
Irregular Migrants Detected: 2 300
Irregular Migrants Rescued: 1 440
People smugglers arrested: 41
Refusals of entry: 157
Drugs seized: 42.1 tonnes
Stolen vehicles seized: 17