In a major blow to international drug trafficking, El Salvador’s Naval Force intercepted a vessel carrying 1.7 tons of cocaine, valued at $44.8 million, 515 nautical miles off the Salvadoran coast. This latest operation, conducted southwest of Bocana El Cordoncillo, Estero de Jaltepeque, underscores the country’s ongoing commitment to combat organized crime and drug trafficking.
President Nayib Bukele confirmed the successful operation and revealed that three Ecuadorian drug traffickers were arrested and are now in custody. “Our National Navy continues to deal heavy blows to drug trafficking,” said Bukele, emphasizing the significance of the seizure.
The operation adds to El Salvador’s impressive record in recent years. According to President Bukele, the National Navy has seized a total of 24.4 tons of cocaine in the past year, worth $610.2 million. The year 2024, which has now become “the year with the most drug seizures in our history,” saw a total of 16.7 tons of drugs confiscated at sea, valued at over $417.7 million.
Minister of Defense René Merino Monroy also praised the exceptional achievements of 2024, stating, “With these seizures, we have surpassed the historical seizures in the country, marking a very efficient year for this type of operation.”
El Salvador’s continued efforts to combat drug trafficking demonstrate the country’s determination to fight organized crime on all fronts.