The Salvadoran government has announced the seizure of a large drug shipment 600 nautical miles southwest of Bocana El Cordoncillo, Estero de Jaltepeque.

Minister of Security Gustavo Villatoro highlighted the operation as a testament to the country’s commitment to combating drug trafficking. “The size of a country does not matter, but rather the unwavering will of our security forces,” he stated.

So far this year, El Salvador has seized nine tons of drugs, with this being the third major interdiction in international waters. “Under President Bukele’s administration, we have confiscated over 50 tons, preventing drugs from reaching the streets of the U.S. and Mexico,” Villatoro added.

The detained individuals, all Ecuadorian nationals, have been identified as Yhonny Perfiliano Mero Mero, Manuel Orlando Cuevas Delgado, and Diego Fabián Velásquez Catagua.

“With this level of coordination, El Salvador will continue setting an example for the world on how to dismantle criminal organizations,” Villatoro affirmed.