Suspected drug smuggler arrested after cocaine found on oil tanker in LA
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A suspected drug trafficker was arrested off the coast of California this week after federal agents found $6.4 million worth of cocaine on an oil tanker bound for a Mexican drug cartel.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced that Ceasar Tubay Gelacio Jr., 43, of the Philippines, has been charged with importation of a controlled substance.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Coast Guard conducted a joint operation Thursday against the Motor Tanker Aquatravesia, a crude oil tanker docked at the Port of Los Angeles, officials said.
The Coast Guard’s narcotics detection dog alerted authorities to the suspected smuggling, and investigators later confirmed that the cargo contained 500 pounds of cocaine worth approximately $6.4 million, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
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Federal agents seized nearly 500 pounds of cocaine from an oil tanker off the coast of California, authorities said. (Department of Homeland Security)
“This operation underscores Homeland Security Investigations’ unwavering commitment to combating cross-border crime and protecting the United States from illicit narcotics,” HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang said in a statement. he said.
“HSI’s rapid response and investigative expertise were instrumental in detecting and seizing more than 226 kilograms of cocaine destined for our communities,” Wang continued. “We are committed to pursuing those who seek to exploit our ports and transportation systems and working with our partners to dismantle criminal organizations that threaten public safety.”
Capt. Stacey Crecy, Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach area commander, called the seizure “a testament to the coordinated efforts” of DHS agencies working to end drug trafficking operations.
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Authorities said the estimated street value of the cocaine found on the oil tanker was $6.4 million. (Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California)
“Thanks to the stellar coordination, we effectively detained the suspect and removed the contraband from the ship to protect the maritime transportation system and facilitate trade as quickly as possible,” Crecy said.
According to the statement submitted in the case, authorities received information that the Greek-owned Liberian-flagged Aquatravesia, which last left Ecuador, was heading to the United States with a large drug shipment intended for a Mexican cartel.
Crew members allegedly discovered numerous packages believed to contain narcotics in the ship’s trash room.
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The U.S. Coast Guard and Homeland Security Investigations conducted a joint extraction operation on the tanker in the Port of Los Angeles. (Department of Homeland Security)
Prosecutors said the ship’s captain interviewed the crew and learned the drugs allegedly belonged to Gelacio. The captain then moved the narcotics to another section of the ship.
While the Aquatravesia was still in Mexican waters, the captain was allegedly told cartel members would wait approximately 80 nautical miles offshore on the evening of May 14 and the morning of May 15 to retrieve the drugs, according to the complaint.
It is claimed that if the narcotics are not delivered, other boats will stop the ship in Mexican waters and seize the contraband.
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Packages of suspected cocaine were seized from an oil tanker during a joint federal drug trafficking investigation off the coast of California, authorities said. (Department of Homeland Security)
Prosecutors also said the captain received radio calls from cartel members trying to contact Aquatravesia before boarding or seizing the ship.
While US officials instructed the tanker to continue heading towards the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, law enforcement officers boarded the ship on Thursday.
Authorities allege Gelacio received the narcotics in Ecuador and planned to distribute them while the ship was sailing near Mexico.
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If convicted, Gelacio faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
DHS said two more people were detained in connection with the operation.
