61 tons of narcotics have been found by the Pacific Naval Force in 2020
The operation against drug trafficking in the Colombian Pacific carried out by the Colombian Navy through the Pacific Naval Force, resulted in the last few hours in the discovery of a shipment of cocaine that would cost more than nine million dollars; the capture of three individuals, on Malpelo Island was also achieved.
With information from Naval Intelligence, units of the Tumaco Coast Guard Station launched a maritime interception operation in the waters of the South Pacific. At 4:00 in the morning, the Units detected a gray colored boat in the area of Malpelo Island, which was traveling at high speed, with several people on board, who tried to escape upon noticing the presence of the Colombian Navy. Immediately, the pursuit began at sea and in the air with the support of a Maritime Patrol Aircraft of the United States Southern Command, which finally led to the interception of the boat 182 nautical miles of the Port of Tumaco, in the department of Nariño.
During the inspection of the boat manned by three men of Colombian nationality, several black bags were found. They contained 274 pressed packages marked with different logos, with substances that apparently were drugs, in the same way troops also found 5.56 mm of ammunition cartridges and communications equipment.
The boat, along with the three men, were taken to Tumaco, where members of the Technical Investigative Corps of the Prosecutor's Office carried out the preliminary identification tests - PIPH, which tested positive for 274.5 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride.
Simultaneously, a medical team delegated by the Departmental Institute of Health of Nariño, carried out the COVID-19 tests on the three individuals, 23, 26 and 58 years old, in compliance with the established protocols for the prevention and containment of the virus.
Apparently, the illegal cargo would cost more than nine million dollars on the international black market and it would be destined for Costa Rica.
The drugs, ammunition, and communications equipment found were put into custody of the authorities along with those captured, who must face charges of trafficking, manufacturing or carrying narcotic drugs, and trafficking, manufacturing, carrying or possessing firearms, parts or ammunition.
Source: Colombian Navy
