Naval forces in Mexico and El Salvador announced large drug seizures in the Pacific Ocean this week, intercepting more than 10 tons of cocaine combined in separate operations targeting maritime trafficking networks.
Mexican authorities said they confiscated about four tons of suspected cocaine from a semi-submersible vessel, commonly referred to as a “narco sub,” about 250 nautical miles south of Manzanillo port. Three people were detained during the interception.
Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch said on social media that intelligence cooperation with U.S. Northern Command and the Joint Interagency Task Force South helped guide the operation. He said the seizure delivered a major financial blow to organized crime by preventing millions of drug doses from reaching markets.
Video released by authorities showed naval forces approaching the low-profile vessel, which was powered by three visible engines. Officials said the craft was designed to move secretly across ocean waters while transporting narcotics.
Earlier in the week, El Salvador’s navy reported the country’s largest maritime drug seizure in history, recovering 6.6 tons of cocaine from a 180-foot vessel traveling near the country’s coastline. Divers discovered 330 packages of cocaine hidden inside ballast compartments of the ship, which was registered in Tanzania.
Ten individuals from Colombia, Nicaragua, Panama, and Ecuador were arrested in connection with the Salvadoran seizure.
The operations come amid increased international pressure on Mexico to intensify anti-cartel enforcement. The United States has pushed for stronger action against trafficking networks, citing concerns about fentanyl and other synthetic drugs entering American markets.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has adopted a more aggressive enforcement strategy than previous administrations, including transferring dozens of convicted drug trafficking prisoners to the United States for prosecution. Last month, 37 detainees were sent for legal proceedings abroad.
However, the Mexican government has expressed disagreement with U.S. military strikes against suspected trafficking boats in Caribbean and Pacific waters.
Reports indicate that at least 145 people have died since U.S. forces began targeting vessels described by officials as connected to narcotics trafficking operations. U.S. authorities released images of destroyed boats but did not confirm that the vessels were carrying drugs.
Separately, the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted more than 2,000 pounds of cocaine near Puerto Rico earlier this week. Authorities said suspects attempted to escape by maneuvering the boat evasively and throwing cargo into the sea before fleeing.
Officials from multiple countries say maritime trafficking remains a major challenge as criminal networks continue adapting transportation methods, including semi-submersible vessels designed to avoid radar detection. Investigations into the seized shipments are ongoing.
