Federal authorities just seized millions of dollars of narcotics from an oil tanker docked in California.
The massive bust unfolded on Thursday at the Port of Los Angeles, the Department of Homeland Security announced this weekend.
A U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) K-9 alerted to contraband as a team preparing to board the Aquatravesia, a crude oil tanker sailing under the flag of Liberia.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents, working alongside USCG, located 500 pounds of cocaine with a street value of approximately $6.4 million aboard the vessel.
“This operation highlights Homeland Security Investigations’ unwavering commitment to combating transnational crime and safeguarding the United States from illicit narcotics,” said HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang.
“HSI’s swift response and investigative expertise were instrumental in identifying and seizing over 226 kilograms of cocaine destined for our communities. 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.”
HSI took one suspect into custody, but two others were also arrested.
“The success of this narcotics seizure is a testament to the coordinated efforts of the DHS enterprise to dismantle the efforts of drug smugglers under our respective authorities and responsibilities,” said Captain Stacey Crecy, Sector Commander at Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach.
“Through stellar coordination, we effectively detained the suspect and removed the contraband from the vessel to protect the maritime transportation system and facilitate commerce as quickly as possible.”
HSI seized more than 900,000 pounds of cocaine in 2025, and USCG seized another 511,000 pounds of the drug during the same period, which are reportedly record-setting figures.
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