El Salvador’s Ministry of National Defense announced a major success in its fight against international drug trafficking after the Trident Naval Task Force seized approximately 1.7 tons of cocaine valued at $44.8 million, 1,150 nautical miles off the country’s Pacific coast.
Defense Minister René Francis Merino Monroy, joined by Minister of Security Gustavo Villatoro and Attorney General Rodolfo Delgado, presented the results at the La Unión Naval Base, confirming that three Ecuadorian nationals were detained during the operation carried out on October 1st.
Minister Merino Monroy emphasized that this achievement demonstrates to the international community that El Salvador’s Navy is a “blue-water navy”, capable of operating effectively in both deep-sea and coastal zones, safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and maritime integrity.
He noted that the Navy, alongside the National Civil Police (PNC), continues to conduct long-range and coastal operations, leading to 39 tons of drugs seized so far this year, with an estimated value of $967 million. Since President Nayib Bukele took office, authorities have confiscated 73.8 tons of narcotics through coordinated efforts at sea and on land.
Minister Merino Monroy also reaffirmed El Salvador’s commitment to international cooperation, particularly with the United States, in combating transnational organized crime. He praised the professionalism and courage of the sailors and security forces, underscoring that the Salvadoran Navy is fully capable of countering any threat to the nation’s peace and stability.
This operation marks another milestone in the government’s comprehensive security strategy, reinforcing El Salvador’s reputation as a reliable ally in the global fight against drug trafficking.