Three suspected drug smugglers have been arrested after failing to escape the police in a high-speed water chase on the Costa del Sol.

The Spanish Civil Guard used a helicopter to hover overhead and a speed boat to intercept the suspects who attempted to flee at full speed in the spectacular Christmas Eve pursuit.

The detainees are a Spaniard and two Moroccans, and were arrested at Sabinillas beach in Malaga after their high-powered vessel was rammed by police in the several kilometre-chase.

Footage from the incident shows the suspects alighting the boat and attempting to escape on foot despite the police helicopter landing on the beach first.

Image: The high-speed sea chase lasted for several kilometres off the coast of Costa del Sol

According to Spanish broadcaster laSexta, the suspects became "extremely violent" as they began to run away, and appear to be throwing stones at the police.


Authorities say they found a shipment of hashish on board, and the Civil Guard believes that the drums of gasoline that the occupants of the boat abandoned were destined to supply a narco boat about to leave for Morocco.

Image: The suspects attempt to make an escape after arriving on the beach

Police have been increasing drugs patrols in this area of the Costa Del Sol coast.

In July, another boat loaded with drugs landed on the beach in broad daylight as stunned holidaymakers looked on.

The drug runners were caught by an off-duty policeman who was coincidentally on the beach with his family.