A suspected drug smuggler was apprehended off the coast of California this week after federal officials uncovered $6.4 million in cocaine on an oil tanker bound for a Mexican criminal cartel.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California said that Ceasar Tubay Gelacio Jr., 43, of the Philippines, has been charged with importing a controlled narcotic.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the United States Coast Guard carried out a combined operation Thursday aboard the motor tanker Aquatravesia, a crude oil tanker anchored at the Port of Los Angeles.
The Coast Guard narcotics detection canine detected suspected contraband, resulting in the discovery of 500 pounds of cocaine worth $6.4 million, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Eddy Wang, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles, stated that this operation demonstrates the agency’s dedication to battling transnational crime and protecting the US from illicit narcotics. “HSI’s quick response and investigative expertise were critical in locating and seizing more than 226 kilograms of cocaine destined for our communities,” Wang added. “We remain dedicated to pursuing those who attempt to exploit our ports and transportation systems and to working with our partners to disrupt criminal organizations that threaten public safety.”
Capt. Stacey Crecy, Sector Commander for Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, described the seizure as a “testament to the coordinated efforts” of DHS agencies trying to disrupt narcotics smuggling groups. “We successfully detained the suspect and removed the contraband from the vessel to protect the maritime transportation system and facilitate commerce as soon as possible,” Crecy stated.
According to an affidavit submitted in the case, officials learned that the Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged Aquatravesia, which had recently left Ecuador, was heading to the United States with a huge load of cocaine meant for a Mexican cartel.
According to the complaint, crew members discovered multiple packages placed inside the ship’s rubbish area that were suspected of containing narcotics.
According to prosecutors, the captain of the ship examined crew members and discovered that the drugs reportedly belonged to Gelacio. The captain then relocated the narcotics to another area of the vessel.
According to the complaint, while the Aquatravesia was still in Mexican waters, the skipper was allegedly informed that cartel members would be waiting approximately 80 nautical miles offshore on the evening of May 14 and early morning of May 15 to recover the contraband.
If the narcotics were not delivered, more boats would supposedly stop the vessel in Mexican seas and seize the contraband.
Prosecutors also claimed that the captain received radio calls from cartel members attempting to speak with the Aquatravesia before boarding or capturing the vessel.
US officials authorized the tanker to proceed to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, where law officers boarded the vessel on Thursday.
Authorities claim Gelacio obtained the narcotics in Ecuador and planned to distribute them to another party once the ship was approaching Mexico.
If convicted, Gelacio faces a potential sentence of life imprisonment.
According to DHS, two more people were arrested as part of the operation.
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