Colombia seizes 7.6 tonnes of cocaine in biggest haul in a decade

Colombian authorities have intercepted a massive shipment of 7.6 tonnes of cocaine destined for the Netherlands at the Cartagena port, marking the largest seizure in the port's history over the past decade. President Abelardo de la Espriella revealed this achievement on X, attributing the success to a joint operation with the US Drug Enforcement Administration.

The narcotics were concealed within powdered panela, an unprocessed form of cane sugar, and were uncovered by Colombia's National Police anti-narcotics unit during a coordinated effort.

Since taking office, President de la Espriella's administration has seized a staggering 132 tonnes of cocaine, valued at approximately $6.1 billion. Speaking to the press, he emphasized the importance of preventing drugs from reaching the streets, stating that every dose intercepted saves lives, while every dollar taken from the cartels weakens their criminal structures.

The Dutch Public Prosecution Service has independently confirmed the arrest of two Dutch nationals in Colombia at the request of Colombian authorities. The suspects, identified as Ronny and Ulrich, remain unnamed by either Colombian or Dutch authorities, with no direct link established between the arrests and the cocaine seizure. According to the EU Drugs Agency, the EU seized a total of 330 tonnes of cocaine in 2024, a decrease from 419 tonnes in the previous year.