In a significant victory against drug trafficking, the Mexican Navy intercepted over 7.2 tons of suspected cocaine during two separate operations in the Pacific Ocean, According to CBS News. The dramatic high-speed chases were captured on video, showcasing the relentless efforts of naval officers to combat cartel activities.
Largest Drug Seizure of the Current Administration
The first operation took place southwest of Manzanillo, where naval patrols, aided by a Panther helicopter, intercepted three speedboats. the navy said in a Friday news release that authorities seized 126 packages containing 5.6 tons of suspected cocaine, marking the largest drug seizure under the current administration. Fifteen suspects were apprehended, and over 1,000 liters of fuel were confiscated.
Second Operation Yields Additional 1.6 Tons of Cocaine
In a separate raid near Lazaro Cardenas, another 1.6 tons of suspected cocaine were retrieved from the ocean. Naval patrol boats and helicopters located and secured 32 floating packages of drugs, alongside a small speedboat equipped with three outboard motors.
Authorities reported on Monday that a recent attack, resulting in the deaths of seven community police members in Michoacan over the weekend, was linked to ongoing conflicts between cartels fighting for control of the coastal region, a crucial entry point for sea-delivered cocaine shipments. The area is a critical landing point for cocaine shipments, making it a focal point in the fight against drug trafficking.
The recent cocaine seizures in the Pacific Ocean occurred nearly a year after a semi-submersible vessel, commonly known as a narco sub, was intercepted off the Mexican coast carrying over 7,000 pounds of suspected cocaine. During that operation, the Mexican Navy shared a video on Facebook capturing the dramatic high-speed chase, with an aerial view of ships and a helicopter pursuing the sub before it was eventually seized.
Impact on Global Cocaine Supply
With more than half of the world’s cocaine production originating in Colombia, Mexico remains a crucial transit hub for these illicit substances. The recent seizures highlight the ongoing efforts of Mexican authorities to disrupt the flow of drugs into international markets.
