President Nayib Bukele announced that the Salvadoran Navy has carried out one of the largest drug seizures in the country’s history. In a strategic mission executed between June 2 and June 10, naval forces intercepted five vessels nearly 1,000 nautical miles (1,852 kilometers) off El Salvador’s coast, seizing a total of 6.3 tons of cocaine worth over $157.4 million.
A total of five vessels were intercepted and 17 drug traffickers of Ecuadorian, Colombian, Mexican, and Guatemalan nationalities were captured in a series of coordinated, precise, and unprecedented operations, stated President Bukele.
According to the President, the first vessel was located 980 nautical miles southwest of El Cordoncillo. In the second operation, the Navy intercepted a boat manned by three Ecuadorians carrying 1,650 kilograms of cocaine, valued at $41.2 million.
A third vessel was found with two Ecuadorians and a Colombian transporting 1,630 kilograms of cocaine, worth $40.7 million. Another vessel carrying three Guatemalans and two Ecuadorians was stopped with 1,600 kilograms of cocaine on board, with an estimated value of $40 million.
The series of operations highlights El Salvador’s strengthened capabilities in combating international drug trafficking far beyond its territorial waters.