On October 18, 2024, the Mexican Navy announced a historic operation in which it seized approximately 18,305 pounds (8,361 kg) of suspected illegal cargo—marking the largest maritime drug seizure in the institution’s history. In just 18 days since the current administration began, around 25,900 pounds (11,752 kg) of suspected drugs and 3,392 gallons (12,825 liters) of fuel have been confiscated at sea.
The operation, deemed one of the most significant maritime interventions, involved naval personnel who, with support from a Panther helicopter, located an initial vessel with three outboard motors and eight crew members near Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán. Upon noticing the Navy’s presence, the crew discarded several marked bundles into the sea, which contained suspected illegal cargo.
Navy personnel successfully intercepted this vessel, apprehending the crew and seizing 94 bundles of suspected illegal cargo weighing approximately 4,636 pounds (2,105 kg), along with 38 containers totaling about 330 gallons (1,250 liters) of fuel.
Subsequently, a second vessel with three outboard motors and three crew members was intercepted, leading to the confiscation of 125 containers holding around 1,570 gallons (5,950 liters) of fuel and the recovery of 49 abandoned bundles weighing about 2,433 pounds (1,102 kg) of suspected illegal cargo.
A third vessel, located off the coast of Guerrero, was found to contain 40 bundles of suspected illegal cargo weighing approximately 2,645 pounds (1,200 kg) and 24 containers with a total of about 105 gallons (400 liters) of fuel.
The fourth vessel, a semi-submersible approximately 15 meters long, was secured with 93 bundles of suspected drugs weighing about 4,805 pounds (2,179 kg) and additional containers of fuel. This interception was particularly challenging, as semi-submersibles are designed to evade detection. The Navy’s advanced training and strategic aerial insertion capabilities allowed for a successful boarding of the moving vessel.
The fifth and sixth vessels, each with six crew members and three outboard motors, were also seized, containing 75 bundles weighing approximately 3,911 pounds (1,774 kg) and 250 gallons (950 liters) of fuel.
In total, 23 individuals were arrested and informed of their rights. All six vessels, along with the suspected drugs and fuel, have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation. The estimated value of the confiscated goods exceeds $113 million.
#MarinaTeInforma
— SEMAR México (@SEMAR_mx) October 19, 2024
Durante operaciones de patrulla de vigilancia marítima, se logró el aseguramiento de aproximadamente 8.3 toneladas de presunta carga ilícita y la detención de 23 probables transgresores de la ley; lo que representa la mayor cantidad de droga asegurada en una… pic.twitter.com/kukQpmlfE5
In summary, within just 18 days, this administration has achieved significant results: 37 arrests, the seizure of 25,900 pounds (11,752 kg) of suspected drugs, eight high-speed vessels, two semi-submersibles, 23 outboard motors, and 3,392 gallons (12,825 liters) of fuel—resulting in an economic impact exceeding $162 million.
These operations are part of the ongoing maritime, aerial, and ground surveillance conducted by the Mexican Navy to combat criminal activity and uphold the rule of law at sea.
