Federal agents seize $6.4M in cocaine from cargo ship at Port of L.A.
OAN Staff Brooke Mallory
3:43 PM – Friday, May 22, 2026
Federal law enforcement authorities dealt a major blow to transnational drug-smuggling networks on Thursday after a joint boarding operation led to a multi-million dollar narcotics seizure at the Port of Los Angeles.
Officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Coast Guard successfully intercepted nearly 500 pounds of cocaine hidden aboard a massive high-seas vessel.
The seized contraband carries an estimated street value of “roughly $6.4 million,” officials say, making this another victory for federal interagency counter-narcotics efforts.
The interdiction unfolded on Thursday, when tactical teams targeted the Motor Tanker Aquatravesia, a sprawling crude oil carrier that had arrived at the Southern California port. Acting on coordinated intelligence, HSI Los Angeles and Coast Guard personnel initiated a highly synchronized joint boarding operation to search the vessel.
The breakthrough reportedly came when a specialized Coast Guard narcotics detection canine alerted handlers to a specific area of the tanker, leading the boarding team directly to the concealed payload. Upon inspection, federal agents identified and extracted over 226 kilograms (498.245 pounds) of bulk cocaine destined for local communities.
Authorities emphasized that the operation highlights the increasingly sophisticated and aggressive tactics employed by international drug cartels, which continue to exploit high-seas commercial transportation systems and bulk cargo vessels to move their illicit products.
Eddy Wang, HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge, praised the rapid response and technical expertise of the responding teams, noting that the seizure effectively denied criminal organizations millions of dollars in black-market revenue.
“This operation highlights Homeland Security Investigations’ unwavering commitment to combating transnational crime and safeguarding the United States from illicit narcotics,” said Wang. “HSI’s swift response and investigative expertise were instrumental in identifying and seizing over 226 kilograms of cocaine destined for our communities. We remain dedicated to pursuing those who attempt to exploit our ports and transportation systems, and to working with our partners to disrupt criminal organizations that threaten public safety.”
Federal officials confirmed that the contraband has been removed from the vessel for eventual destruction under strict federal guidelines, and a comprehensive investigation remains underway to trace the origin of the shipment and identify the individuals responsible for the smuggling plot.
“The success of this narcotics seizure is a testament to the coordinated efforts of the DHS enterprise to dismantle the efforts of drug smugglers under our respective authorities and responsibilities,” added Captain Stacey Crecy, Sector Commander at Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach. “Through stellar coordination, we effectively detained the suspect and removed the contraband from the vessel to protect the maritime transportation system and facilitate commerce as quickly as possible.”
HSI arrested one individual, and two others were taken into custody, officials added.
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