The Salvadoran military and national police have reported the seizure of over 81 tons of various types of drugs between June 2019 and February 2026, with a total value estimated at $1.937 billion. Minister of Defense René Francis Merino Monroy detailed the government's efforts during a press conference where he highlighted the recent confiscation of a cocaine shipment valued at $165 million. This extensive operation reflects the government’s strategy of combating drug trafficking effectively.

Merino Monroy stated that the Salvadoran authorities had arrested 200 drug traffickers during the reported period, which includes individuals from various nationalities: 87 Ecuadorians, 36 Colombians, 30 Mexicans, and others from Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama. By listing these figures, the government aims to portray a strong image of law enforcement progress within El Salvador, presenting the nation as a formidable barrier against Pacific drug trafficking routes.

The statement from the Minister emphasizes the government's ongoing commitment to tackling drug-related crime and strengthening national security. The narrative implies a robust defense stance against narcotraffickers, pointing to El Salvador's strategic location and the challenges posed by drug trafficking in the region. Such declarations by the Bukele administration are part of a larger strategy to garner public support and demonstrate effectiveness in providing safety and stability in the country amidst ongoing concerns about violence related to drug trafficking.