ST. THOMAS, USVI – In a major blow to international cocaine traffickers, the United States Coast Guard intercepted a low-profile vessel off the coast of Colombia, seizing approximately 973 kilograms of cocaine and arresting three South American nationals. The operation, which took place on July 12, 2021, marked the beginning of a major investigation that would ultimately lead to the arrests of Ignasio Espana, 30, Jairo Riascos Preciado, 52, both of Colombia, and Nestor Vera Escalante, 41, of Ecuador.
According to court documents, the USCG Cutter Mohawk intercepted the low-profile vessel 125 nautical miles south, southwest of Isla De Molpelo, Colombia. The vessel, which displayed no signs of nationality, exhibited suspicious factors, including its low-profile construction, lack of navigation lights, and operation in a known drug vector.
Upon inspection of the vessel, the USCG boarding team removed a bale in plain view inside the hull. Two presumptive NIK tests were conducted on the recovered bale, yielding a positive reaction for cocaine. A subsequent search of the entire vessel resulted in the seizure of approximately 973 kilograms of suspected cocaine.
The US Coast Guard, in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Agency, launched a massive investigation into the seizure, resulting in the arrest of the three South American nationals. The investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, which aims to disrupt and dismantle high-level criminal organizations threatening the United States.
Assistant United States Attorney Delia Smith is prosecuting the case, which is being investigated by the USCG and the DEA. United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely a charging document and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The seized cocaine, valued at an estimated $30 million, is one of the largest cocaine seizures in recent history. The operation highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat international cocaine trafficking and bring perpetrators to justice.
The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, which includes the US Coast Guard and the DEA, aims to identify, disrupt, and dismantle high-level criminal organizations using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Key Facts
- State: Virgin Islands
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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