Armed drug traffickers have opened fire on police during a major anti-narcotics operation on the Costa del Sol before embarking on a dangerous high-speed chase along the A-7 motorway.

The dramatic incident unfolded in Velez-Malaga during a raid targeting networks supplying so-called narcolanchas with fuel.

According to police, officers from the UDYCO Costa del Sol drugs unit moved in on a warehouse being used by traffickers.

A 51-year-old man was arrested at the scene before armed suspects travelling in two vehicles allegedly arrived and opened fire on officers.

Police said the suspects launched the attack as investigators prepared to intercept what they believed was a drug-related unloading operation.

After the exchange of gunfire, the suspects fled the scene, with the two vehicles colliding with each other before speeding onto the A-7 motorway towards Malaga.

Police described the pursuit as extremely dangerous, saying the fleeing vehicles endangered both officers and other motorists and even knocked a motorcyclist off his bike. The rider escaped unhurt.

Despite a major search operation involving multiple police forces, the suspects remain at large.

A woman was later arrested as an alleged collaborator with the criminal organisation.

Inside the warehouse, investigators discovered narcolanchas (drug smuggling boats), fuel containers linked to ‘petaqueo’ operations and two large fuel tanks inside a van capable of storing up to 5,000 litres of petrol.

Forensic officers remain at the scene collecting ballistic evidence and examining the warehouse as part of the ongoing investigation.

Police have not ruled out further arrests.