On November 19, 2024, the Guatemalan Army disclosed the interception of a vessel in the Atlantic waters off Izabal, revealing a substantial cocaine seizure. The intercepted vessel was identified as a high-speed “go-fast” boat, typically used by drug smugglers for its speed and low profile on radar. It was equipped with three 250-horsepower outboard motors, allowing it to swiftly navigate through waters to evade detection.
Upon boarding the boat, authorities found 175 bundles. An initial count of these bundles revealed that they contained a total of 3,905 packages. After being transported to a naval base, chemical analysis confirmed that the contents were indeed cocaine, aligning with the typical methods of drug trafficking in the area where cocaine is often packed in large quantities for transport. The exact amount in kilograms has not yet been released at the time of writing, but a good guess would be around 4 tons.
The seizure underscores Guatemala’s strategic location as a transit point for drugs moving from South America to North America. The country’s long, unpatrolled coastline and vast jungles make it an attractive route for drug cartels looking to bypass more heavily monitored areas.
Duro golpe al Narcotráfico. #EjércitoGT a través de la Marina de la Defensa Nacional, interceptó en aguas de #Izabal, una embarcación tipo eduardoño con tres (03) motores fuera de borda de 350 HP, modelo 2025, localizando en su interior 157 tulas que contenían 3,905 paquetes,… pic.twitter.com/9L9S1dFFf7
— Ejército de Guatemala (@Ejercito_GT) November 19, 2024
Francisco Jiménez, head of the Ministry of the Interior, commented on the significance of the operation, labeling it as an “historic” haul. This seizure not only disrupts a significant amount of drug flow but also highlights the ongoing efforts of Guatemalan authorities to combat drug trafficking.
The operation involved coordination between the National Defense Navy and the National Civil Police, showcasing a cooperative effort in securing the nation’s waters. The boat was abandoned by its crew, who managed to escape before the interception, a common tactic used by smugglers to avoid capture.
