According to a report from the Colombian Navy, authorities successfully intercepted over 450 pounds (more than 200 kilograms) of cocaine during an underwater inspection of a merchant ship about to depart from the Buenaventura Pacific port for Europe.
Divers from the Buenaventura Coast Guard Station made this significant discovery during a routine inspection. They found seven sealed black bags inside the ship’s ballast tanks.
After the bags were salvaged and inspected, a rapid test confirmed they contained bricks of cocaine. The Navy stated that this operation prevented the circulation of more than 521,000 doses of drugs, keeping approximately $10 million in potential drug proceeds out of the hands of criminal organizations.
The Navy shared images showing the divers salvaging the packages underwater and the numerous bricks laid out on the dock for inspection.
Just days earlier, authorities had conducted another large-scale law enforcement operation, seizing over 7 tons of drugs from two speedboats and a semi-submersible vessel in the Pacific Ocean. The boats were filled with packaged drugs, and individuals were captured while surrendering.
The timing of these operations coincides with escalating tensions between Colombia and the United States.
Recently, US officials imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro and his family, accusing his government of doing little to intervene in the activities of drug trafficking groups.
This move came after prolonged controversy regarding US deportation policies targeting immigrants and US military operations against vessels suspected of carrying drugs near the South American coastline.
In an October interview with CBS News, Petro expressed concern about civilian casualties caused by US-led airstrikes, stating that such actions violate international law. He emphasized that capturing high-level drug cartel leaders is more effective than targeting low-level members—a claim denied by White House representatives.
Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine. Analysts point out that various political and economic factors have led to an increase in the production of this illicit drug while its price has decreased.
Large quantities of cocaine continue to flow to lucrative markets such as Europe, North America, and Australia. As US-led airstrikes intensify efforts to combat northbound drug shipments via the Pacific and the Caribbean, drug activities in these regions may become more rampant.
Compiled by Shipping Online.
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