In a significant blow to narcotics trafficking networks, the Colombian Navy has intercepted more than seven tonnes of cocaine with an estimated street value exceeding $340 million during dual operations in the Caribbean Sea. The major drug busts occurred approximately 90 nautical miles from Barranquilla and within the Gulf of Morrosquillo, resulting in the apprehension of eleven suspected traffickers.
Official photographs released by Colombian authorities depict seized vessels alongside substantial stacks of cocaine packages guarded by armed naval personnel, illustrating the scale of the successful interdiction mission.
This development emerges against a backdrop of escalating diplomatic friction between Colombia and the United States regarding maritime counter-narcotics strategies. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has openly challenged the legality of US-led lethal strikes targeting suspected drug-running vessels, asserting that these operations have resulted in civilian casualties and violate international law.
According to available data, United States forces have conducted at least 22 maritime strikes since September, resulting in approximately 87 fatalities. The US administration defends these actions as necessary measures to disrupt and dismantle sophisticated drug trafficking organizations, maintaining that targeted vessels were confirmed to be transporting illicit substances. The White House has consistently denied any misconduct in these operations.