El Salvador’s Defense Minister René Francis Merino Monroy outlined ongoing anti-drug efforts in La Unión during an interview, highlighting coordinated work with security agencies and advanced naval training.
Merino Monroy said marines receive precise training for safe maritime interceptions and are equipped with bulletproof vests that double as flotation devices, along with Personal Locator Beacons to aid rescues. We provide the greatest possible guarantees, we protect the life of the trident, he stated.
Since President Nayib Bukele took office, authorities have seized 69.7 tons of cocaine valued at over $1.6 billion. This year alone, 20.2 tons worth $500 million have been confiscated, surpassing last year’s record. These operations, part of the Territorial Control Plan, target both maritime and land drug trafficking.
The depths at which we carry out these seizures mean the drugs are already heading north. Other countries also enjoy the levels of security that El Salvador has achieved, the minister said, adding that political will and leadership have made the country a regional security reference.