Federal Agents Seize Cocaine in Joint Operation

Federal agents arrested a suspect after finding $6.4 million worth of cocaine on an oil tanker near California. The suspect, Ceasar Tubay Gelacio Jr., 43, from the Philippines, was charged with importing a controlled substance. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California provided the details.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Coast Guard carried out a joint operation on Thursday. They boarded the Motor Tanker Aquatravesia at the Port of Los Angeles. A Coast Guard dog detected suspected contraband. Later investigations confirmed that the cargo held 500 pounds of cocaine, valued at $6.4 million.

This operation shows Homeland Security Investigations’ strong commitment to fighting transnational crime and protecting the U.S. from illegal drugs,
HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang stated.

HSI’s fast response and investigative skills helped identify and seize over 226 kilograms of cocaine intended for communities, Wang added. The agency focused on interrupting criminal networks that pose threats to public safety by exploiting transport systems.

Capt. Stacey Crecy, Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach commander, praised the seizure as proof of collaborative efforts among DHS agencies targeting drug-smuggling operations.

According to an affidavit submitted in court, authorities received intel about the Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged Aquatravesia transporting drugs to the U.S. for a Mexican cartel. Packages suspected to contain narcotics were reportedly found hidden in the ship’s garbage room.

Prosecutors noted the ship’s captain learned the drugs were allegedly tied to Gelacio during crew interviews. He then moved the narcotics to another location aboard the vessel.

While in Mexican waters, the captain was informed that cartel members planned to retrieve the drugs about 80 nautical miles offshore. Additional vessels were supposedly ready to intercept the ship if necessary.

Federal agencies directed the Aquatravesia to proceed to Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, where law enforcement boarded the ship on Thursday. Gelacio is accused of picking up the drugs in Ecuador for distribution.

If convicted, Gelacio faces a maximum life sentence. DHS reported additional arrests connected with the operation.