U.S. authorities seized 227 kg of cocaine and arrested a Filipino crewmember aboard the Liberia-flagged crude tanker Aquatravesia after the vessel arrived at the Port of Los Angeles.
The 133,000 dwt tanker, owned by Greek interests, had departed Ecuador on May 8 and was sailing northbound when crewmembers discovered multiple suspicious packages hidden in the ship’s garbage room. The cargo was reported to the master, who secured the packages and notified U.S. authorities.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, a 43-year-old Filipino crewmember later admitted possessing the narcotics.
Investigators said the cocaine, weighing about 227 kg and valued at approximately $6.4 million, was allegedly intended for delivery to a Mexican drug cartel. The reported plan involved transferring the packages to an armed small boat around 80 nautical miles offshore.
Authorities said cartel members allegedly warned that if the handover failed, they would pursue the tanker in Mexican waters and recover the drugs.
The vessel’s captain also reported receiving suspicious radio calls believed to be attempts by cartel operatives to contact the ship and possibly arrange boarding.
Following coordination with U.S. agencies, Aquatravesia was directed to proceed to the Port of Los Angeles, where it anchored on May 21.
Filipino crewmember was taken into custody and charged with importation of a controlled substance. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment under U.S. federal law.
