Over half a ton of cocaine seized in maritime operation off the coast of Oaxaca

• To date, over 45 tons of what is presumed to be cocaine have been seized at sea under the current administration, representing an economic impact of almost 130.09 million pesos (US$6.94 million).
• This seizure prevented approximately 1.12 million doses of drugs from reaching the streets.

As part of the National Security Strategy, during a maritime operation led by personnel of the Ministry of the Navy (Semar), through the Mexican Navy acting in its capacity as the Coast Guard, and in coordination with the Ministry of National Defense (Sedena), the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR), the National Guard (GN), and the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), four suspects were arrested and approximately 559 kilograms of cocaine, 685 liters of fuel, and a vessel were seized near the Gulf of Tehuantepec, off the coast of Oaxaca.

This action was carried out during maritime and aerial patrols aimed at maintaining the rule of law at sea, with participation from vessels and aerial units of the Mexican Navy.

After detecting and tracking a vessel with four individuals on board, naval personnel requested permission to board and informed the suspects of their violations of the Navigation and Maritime Commerce Law for sailing without identification markings. Upon requesting the appropriate documentation, none of the individuals could verify their identity or legal presence in Mexican waters. As a result, an inspection was conducted, revealing 14 bundles wrapped in black plastic containing illicit cargo, six drums, a large fuel container, and a semi-spherical beacon.

Following this discovery, the suspects were arrested, read their legal rights, and together with the vessel and the impounded items were placed at the disposal of the corresponding Public Prosecutor’s Office, which will determine their legal status and open the corresponding investigative file.

It is important to note that with this seizure, the total amount of cocaine impounded at sea during the current administration has now exceeded 45 tons. In addition, the seizure is equivalent to roughly 1.12 million potential doses and represents an economic impact of 130.09 million pesos (US$6.94 million).

These efforts are part of ongoing maritime, aerial, and land surveillance operations conducted by the Ministry of the Navy in Mexican territorial waters, in coordination with the institutions that comprise the Security Cabinet. The aim of the operations is to deter criminal activities and uphold the rule of law in Mexican maritime zones.