El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele announced that authorities have made the largest drug seizure in the nation's history, confiscating 6.6 tons of cocaine from a multi-purpose support vessel in the Pacific Ocean. The operation led to the arrest of ten individuals allegedly involved in transporting the drugs, emphasizing the ongoing battle against narcotics trafficking that predominantly routes cocaine from South America to the United States, the world's largest consumer.

The vessel, registered under the Tanzanian flag, was intercepted approximately 380 nautical miles southwest of the Salvadoran coast. This seizure highlights not only the effectiveness of the Salvadoran Navy but also the increasing usage of Central American waters by narcotraffickers utilizing maritime routes for transporting substances. Bukele referred to this as a significant blow to narcotics operations in the region, aiming to strengthen the country’s ongoing efforts against drug-related crimes.

With growing international concern over drug-related violence and trafficking, this operation reflects a broader regional challenge in Central America, where maritime logistics play a crucial role in the drug trade. The implications of such operations extend beyond immediate arrests, potentially affecting international narcotic supply chains and the enforcement collaborations among maritime nations focused on curbing drug trafficking in their waters.