In a significant operation, the Government of El Salvador has dealt a major blow to international drug trafficking. This morning, Minister of Security Gustavo Villatoro, along with Minister of Defense René Merino Monroy and the Attorney General of El Salvador, Rodolfo Delgado, presented the results of a recent drug seizure that took place 920 nautical miles off the Salvadoran coast.
“As the Security Cabinet of President Nayib Bukele, we have a clear and firm decision to combat drugs, both within and outside our territory. This new seizure, conducted by our National Navy, highlights the emerging methods of drug trafficking, which we are steadily pressuring and committing to make more efficient in our impact against these transnational organizations in international waters,” said Minister Villatoro.
The operation led to the capture of several individuals, all of whom are of foreign nationality. The suspects arrested during the operation were identified as:
“All of the detainees will be placed at the disposal of the judge, and none of the foreign nationals arrested to date have regained their freedom. The drugs seized, except for the ones today, have already been destroyed. This is called the Rule of Law, a firm and brave state, and we will continue waging this frontal war against the universal poison that drugs represent,” Minister Villatoro assured.
The operation, which involved the Salvadoran National Navy, took place 920 nautical miles from the Salvadoran coast. “In the operation, we intercepted a vessel carrying 1.3 tons of cocaine, valued at 32.5 million dollars. The vessel was crewed by three Ecuadorians,” stated Attorney General Delgado.
In a previous operation conducted 500 nautical miles from the coast, two additional boats were intercepted, which were involved in logistical functions and receiving drug shipments. “In these boats, Guatemalan citizens were apprehended,” Delgado added.
The Attorney General also emphasized the work of the Attorney General’s Office, which is responsible for the legal prosecution of criminals. “Our role is to ensure that those responsible face justice through a rigorous, transparent, objective, and legally grounded process,” he stated.
“We are working to identify the links of this network with other criminal organizations, both inside and outside of El Salvador. Our objective is to dismantle them, and we are committed to ensuring that there is no impunity,” Delgado continued.
This operation is not only a major blow to drug trafficking but also sends a clear message that El Salvador will not tolerate organized crime on its territory. “To the Salvadoran people, I want to say that an operation like this saves lives. By preventing these drugs from reaching our communities, we are protecting our families and building a safer future for our children,” concluded the Attorney General.
The operation is part of the country’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime, sending a powerful message of determination from El Salvador’s leadership in the fight against illicit drug trade.