El Salvador’s National Navy has carried out one of the largest maritime drug seizures in the region, intercepting a shipment of 6.3 tons of cocaine valued at approximately $157.4 million. The operation took place between June 2 and June 10, over 1,852 kilometers (980 nautical miles) off the Salvadoran coast, southeast of the El Cordoncillo estuary in the department of La Paz.
The seizure was presented to the public by authorities from the Public Security Cabinet on Monday, highlighting the effectiveness of the country’s ongoing fight against transnational drug trafficking under President Nayib Bukele’s administration.
The illicit cargo was distributed across five vessels, all of which were captured by the Trident Naval Task Force. The interdiction led to the arrest of 17 foreign nationals from Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, and Guatemala, who are now facing charges for international drug trafficking.
Breakdown of the Seizure:
- Vessel 1: 1,420 kg of cocaine with 3 Ecuadorian nationals – estimated value: $35.5 million
- Vessel 2: 1,650 kg of cocaine with 3 Ecuadorian nationals – estimated value: $41.2 million
- Vessel 3: 1,630 kg of cocaine with 2 Ecuadorians and 1 Colombian – estimated value: $40.7 million
- Vessel 5: 1,600 kg of cocaine with 3 Guatemalans and 2 Ecuadorians – estimated value: $40 million
Authorities have emphasized that this operation demonstrates El Salvador’s growing capacity to monitor and secure its maritime territory, especially in remote ocean zones often exploited by international criminal networks.
This multi-ton cocaine seizure reinforces the government’s commitment to dismantling narcotrafficking routes and protecting national sovereignty. It also highlights the continued role of the Trident Naval Task Force, which remains at the forefront of regional anti-narcotics operations.