The Mexican Navy announced a historic drug seizure on Friday, confiscating 8.3 tons of narcotics during a maritime operation in the Pacific Ocean.
Worth $142 million
This is the largest amount of drugs ever seized at sea in the institution's history, according to a statement from the Navy, which did not specify the type of drugs involved.
Valued at approximately 2.099 billion pesos (around $142 million), the drugs were intercepted southwest of the city of Lazaro Cardenas in the state of Michoacan, located along Mexico’s Pacific coast, according to Hotnews.
This region has long been a hotspot for violent conflicts between powerful drug cartels, including the infamous Jalisco Nueva Generacion Cartel, which operates in the area.
A Hub for Drug Trafficking
During the operation, the Navy intercepted and boarded six vessels — five speedboats and a semi-submersible around 50 feet in length. In addition to seizing the massive drug haul, authorities arrested 23 individuals who were manning the boats.
These individuals are suspected of being part of a larger drug trafficking operation that uses Mexico as a gateway for transporting drugs to North America.
"This represents the largest quantity of drugs confiscated in a maritime operation, an unprecedented event in the history of the institution," the Navy's statement read.
Although the exact nature of the drugs has not been disclosed, the operation underscores the ongoing challenges Mexico faces in battling international drug trafficking organizations.
Mexico has been a critical hub for drug trafficking to North America for decades, with numerous cartels fighting for control of key routes. Michoacan, the site of the recent seizure, remains a focal point for cartel violence, as criminal organizations compete for territory and resources.
This recent seizure follows Mexico’s largest-ever drug bust, which occurred in November 2007 when authorities confiscated 23 tons of Colombian cocaine.
Mexico’s new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, who took office on October 1, recently unveiled a national security plan targeting violence in high-risk regions, particularly in the northern states and the Pacific coast.
Her administration faces the daunting task of reducing cartel activity in these areas, even as record-breaking operations like this one provide some hope for progress.
