Source: Africa Publicity
U.S. authorities seized qqnearly 500 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $6.4 million from an oil tanker headed to Southern California, leading to the arrest of a Philippines national, according to federal officials.
The operation was carried out by agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles office and the U.S. Coast Guard.
In a statement posted on Facebook, ICE said, “A Philippines man was arrested, and nearly 500 pounds of cocaine worth $6.4 million was seized from an oil tanker en route to El Segundo, CA, from Ecuador by ICE HSI Los Angeles and the U.S. Coast Guard.”
Authorities said the investigation began after law enforcement received a tip regarding the inbound vessel, identified as the “Aquatravesia.” Officials ordered the ship to the Port of Los Angeles, where officers boarded and searched the tanker.
According to ICE, “A tip led law enforcement to order the inbound ‘Aquatravesia’ to the Port of LA, where they boarded and located the drugs.”
Federal prosecutors charged Ceasar Tubay Gelacio Jr. with importation of a controlled substance after crew members allegedly discovered narcotics hidden in the vessel’s garbage room.
ICE stated, “Ceasar Tubay Gelacio, Jr., is charged with importation of a controlled substance after crew members discovered the suspect’s narcotics hidden inside the ship’s garbage room.”
Investigators also alleged that the ship’s captain identified Gelacio as the owner of the drugs and revealed details about the intended handoff.
“The captain confirmed the drugs belonged to Gelacio and was told armed Mexican cartel members would be waiting offshore to collect them,” ICE said.
Authorities have not released additional details about the cartel allegedly involved or whether further arrests are expected. The investigation remains ongoing.
