“Char” for Borderland Beat
The Secretariat of the Navy (Semar) informed on Thursday about the seizure of more than 3.5 tons of suspected cocaine aboard a semi-submersible that was sailing in the Pacific Ocean, west of Manzanillo, Colima.
According to a press release from the Semar, the seizure, through the Mexican Navy acting as Coast Guard, occurred last Wednesday, June 27, when they also arrested five alleged lawbreakers of different nationalities.
Since the location of the semi-submersible, it was followed by Mexican Navy aircrafts, so the Navy oceanic vessels equipped with helicopters and interceptor patrols were positioned for the interdiction of the illicit vessel, which took place with the support of the helicopter and interceptor patrol embarked, finding a cargo of approximately 186 packages of presumed cocaine.
The success of the mission was achieved thanks to the training of the naval personnel, according to the Semar, since the elements boarded the illicit vessel in motion, under conditions of strong winds and waves on the high seas.
The seized material and the detained persons will be taken to La Paz, Baja California Sur, to be handed over to the competent authorities, for the integration of the corresponding investigation folder, points out the Semar in the document.
The vessel is 26 meters long, has two inboard engines, an average speed of eight knots and an autonomy of 20 days. It is the first of its kind to be secured in 2023 and the largest vessel of its size and cargo capacity to be secured in Mexico during the current administration.