El Salvador Seizes Record 6.68 Tons of Cocaine, Arrests Six

El Salvador's Navy has made a record-breaking seizure of illicit drugs, intercepting two vessels in the Pacific Ocean and confiscating 6.68 tons of cocaine. The operation, which led to the arrest of six foreign nationals, was lauded by President Nayib Bukele as the most significant blow to drug trafficking in the nation's history.

The cocaine, valued at approximately $167 million, was found on two separate vessels intercepted near the El Cordoncillo inlet in the Jaltepeque estero, a known hotspot for drug seizures. The first vessel carried 3.425 tons and was crewed by three individuals, two Colombians and one Ecuadorian. Six hours later, a second vessel was found in the same operational area, carrying 3.255 tons and also crewed by three individuals of the same nationalities.

President Bukele highlighted that this seizure surpasses the 6.6 tons confiscated in a single operation on February 13, 2026, setting a new national record. He further stated that El Salvador has now accumulated over 13.286 tons of cocaine seized in 2026 alone, with a total value exceeding $332.15 million. Bukele asserted that the country continues its "war against drug trafficking where they previously operated with total impunity."

Official figures indicate that in 2025, El Salvador seized over 25 tons of drugs, mostly cocaine, valued at more than $618.7 million. In 2024, more than 17.2 tons valued at $422.7 million were confiscated. The president shared an image of one of the intercepted vessels via X, formerly Twitter, stating that the National Navy had delivered the most significant blow to drug trafficking in El Salvador's history.