Colombian Navy Seizes More Than 2 Tons of Cocaine After High-Speed Chase Off Tumaco

The Colombian Navy intercepted a "go-fast" speedboat about 140 nautical miles off the Pacific port city of Tumaco and seized roughly 2,000 kilograms (4,400 pounds) of cocaine and 270 gallons of fuel, authorities said. Three Colombian nationals aboard the vessel were arrested after naval personnel boarded the boat during the pursuit.

The Operation

According to an announcement and video posted by the navy, the interception took place in the South Pacific Ocean near Colombia's Nariño region. The footage shows armed sailors boarding the speedboat and ordering the three suspects to lie face down on the foredeck. Authorities later displayed images of packaged drug bundles arranged onshore.

Evidence and Arrests

The navy reported recovering about 2,000 kilograms of cocaine and approximately 270 gallons of fuel from the vessel. Officials arrested three Colombian nationals who were aboard the boat; investigations into the shipment's origin and intended destination are ongoing.

The Colombian Navy seized over two tons of cocaine after chasing down a speedboat packed with drugs and fuel in the South Pacific Ocean, authorities said Wednesday / Credit: Colombia Navy

Naval Statement: "The seizure, estimated to be worth more than $95 million, prevented the distribution of approximately 4.9 million doses on the streets of the world."

Broader Context

The operation comes amid heightened pressure from the United States on Colombia to curb cocaine trafficking. U.S. military actions targeting suspected drug-running vessels in the Pacific and Caribbean began in September and, according to reports, have resulted in dozens of deaths. Relations between Bogotá and Washington have been strained, with public criticism and sanctions contributing to diplomatic tension.

Recent Related Seizures

Colombia has reported several major drug busts in recent months. In November, authorities announced a 14-ton cocaine seizure at a main Pacific port, described by officials as the country's largest in a decade. In the same period, naval divers discovered more than 450 pounds of cocaine concealed beneath a ship bound for Europe, and the navy said it had seized over seven tons of drugs from two speedboats and a "narco sub" in the Pacific.

Ongoing Investigations

Colombian authorities say investigations into the networks behind these shipments continue. The navy and other law enforcement agencies are coordinating efforts to trace routes, identify suspects, and dismantle trafficking operations while balancing diplomatic concerns tied to international cooperation on drug interdiction.