The small inflatable was heading for a secluded cove in Barlovento in the north of the island and the gang chose Christmas Eve as they thought they would avoid detection.

However, officers were waiting as they arrived and a number of people were arrested there and then, followed by others later. In all, 13 people were arrested, seven of them of Moroccan nationality and the others Spanish. Arrests were made both on La Palma and in Tenerife and three of the suspects are women.

Police seized 1,200 kilos of hashish in 38 packets.