Salvadoran Navy. LA PAZ, El Salvador — The Salvadoran Navy seized 1.3 tons of cocaine valued at approximately $32.5 million from three vessels in a maritime operation off the Salvadoran coast, officials said Wednesday.
The seizure occurred on March 26, about 507 nautical miles southwest of the El Cordoncillo mouth of the Pacific Ocean, authorities said.
Nine individuals—six Guatemalans and three Ecuadorians—were arrested in connection with the drug operation.
According to President Nayib Bukele, two of the vessels were acting as logistical support and drug reception ships, while the third was responsible for transporting the narcotics from South America.
“This is another significant blow to drug trafficking,” stated Bukele in a statement. “Our security forces remain vigilant, ensuring that criminal organizations do not use our territory or waters to transport illicit substances.”
Our National Navy intercepted a boat carrying three Guatemalan drug traffickers, who stated they were expecting a shipment of cocaine 507 nautical miles southwest of the El Cordoncillo mouth. President Nayib Bukele.
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The Salvadoran Navy has intensified its operations against transnational drug trafficking networks in recent years, intercepting shipments traveling through Central American waters toward North America.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the smuggling network behind the seized shipment.
The detained individuals will be handed over to prosecutors to face drug trafficking charges, officials said.
The Bukele administration continues its efforts against drug trafficking. “Over the past year, 27.2 tons of drugs, valued at approximately $681.1 million, have been seized,” remarked President Bukele.
Early this month, the Salvadoran Navy seized 1.5 tons of cocaine worth about $37.5 million—onboard were three Ecuadorian nationals.
In 2024, the National Navy seized 17.2 tons of various types of drugs in Pacific waters, of which 16.7 tons were cocaine alone. So far last year, the total seized amounts to 27.2 tons, valued at $681.1 million.
