A suspected drug smuggler was apprehended off the coast of California after authorities discovered $6.4 million worth of cocaine aboard an oil tanker. The incident involved Ceasar Tubay Gelacio Jr., 43, from the Philippines, who was charged with importing a controlled substance as announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Coast Guard jointly conducted the operation on Thursday aboard the Motor Tanker Aquatravesia at the Port of Los Angeles. A Coast Guard narcotics detection canine alerted authorities, leading to the confirmation of 500 pounds of cocaine, valued at approximately $6.4 million.
Federal agents seized roughly 500 pounds of cocaine aboard the oil tanker. According to Special Agent Eddy Wang from HSI Los Angeles, the operation underscores their strong commitment to fighting transnational crime and protecting the United States from illegal narcotics. Wang noted that HSI’s swift response and investigative skills were key in seizing 226 kilograms of cocaine meant for distribution.
Captain Stacey Crecy of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach emphasized the coordinated efforts of DHS agencies in dismantling drug smuggling operations. Through effective collaboration, they detained the suspect and removed contraband to secure the maritime transportation system and facilitate commerce.
An affidavit revealed that the Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged Aquatravesia, having recently left Ecuador, was heading towards the U.S. with a large drug shipment intended for a Mexican cartel. Crew members found packages thought to contain narcotics in the ship’s garbage room, as per the affidavit.
Prosecutors stated that the ship’s captain discovered the drugs belonged to Gelacio and moved them to another part of the vessel. While in Mexican waters, the captain reported that cartel members planned to retrieve the drugs offshore on May 14 and 15. If retrieval failed, additional boats would intercept the vessel in Mexican waters.
The ship’s captain received radio calls from cartel members before authorities directed the tanker to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Law enforcement boarded the vessel after its arrival in U.S. waters on Thursday.
Authorities alleged Gelacio received the narcotics in Ecuador with intentions to distribute them while near Mexico. If convicted, Gelacio could face a maximum life sentence. DHS confirmed two more individuals were taken into custody related to the operation.