A significant drug-smuggling operation was intercepted off the coast of California when federal agents discovered $6.4 million worth of cocaine on an oil tanker. Ceasar Tubay Gelacio Jr., from the Philippines, was charged with the importation of a controlled substance by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Coast Guard carried out a joint operation aboard the Motor Tanker Aquatravesia. The crude oil tanker was docked at the Port of Los Angeles when a narcotics detection canine alerted authorities to 500 pounds of cocaine.
Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang highlighted the importance of the operation, demonstrating the commitment to fighting transnational crime. This investigation led to the identification and seizure of over 226 kilograms of cocaine destined for U.S. communities.
According to the affidavit, the Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged Aquatravesia departed from Ecuador to the United States. It allegedly carried drugs intended for a Mexican cartel. Crew members found packages believed to be narcotics inside the ship’s garbage room.
The ship’s captain, after discovering the drugs, was instructed by cartel members to prepare for transfer to smaller boats waiting offshore. If this plan failed, additional boats were expected to intercept the Aquatravesia to recover the contraband.
Authorities directed the tanker to continue to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach for further investigation. Gelacio is accused of planning to distribute the narcotics while the ship was near Mexico. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.
The operation also resulted in two other individuals being taken into custody. This collaborative effort among law enforcement agencies aimed to protect the U.S. from illicit narcotics and dismantle dangerous drug trafficking networks.