El Salvador seized more than 4.3 tons of cocaine after intercepting four vessels sailing in international waters, authorities reported Sunday. As part of the operation, nine people were detained, including eight Ecuadorians and one Colombian.
The value of the shipment exceeds 100 million dollars and the operation took place more than 1,800 kilometers (almost 1,000 nautical miles) from the Pacific coast, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele reported on the social network X.
“Our National Navy has dealt a historic blow to drug trafficking in the first days of 2025, with four seizures carried out in a single mission,” said the president.
In the first arrest by the National Navy, southwest of the Estero de Jaltepeque, 1,560 kilograms of cocaine were seized and two Ecuadorians were detained, Bukele said. In that same sector, the authorities detained a boat manned by an Ecuadorian and a Colombian, in which 1,560 kilograms of narcotics were also being transported.
In the third boat intercepted, 599 kilos of cocaine were seized and two Ecuadorians were detained, while in the last boat “it was detained with three Ecuadorians transporting 626 kilos of cocaine.”
The United States Embassy in El Salvador extended its congratulations to the Armed Forces for the seizure of the cocaine stash.
“This effort reinforces the security of El Salvador and contributes to a safer future for the region and our countries,” said the diplomatic headquarters in X.
Connect with the Voice of America! Subscribe to our channelsYouTube, WhatsApp and to the newsletter. Turn on notifications and follow us on Facebook, x and instagram.
Add Comment