MEXICO City, Mexico: The United States and Mexico successfully seized several tons of cocaine from a vessel in a “coordinated operation” in the Pacific Ocean, the Mexican navy confirmed on Wednesday.
The joint maritime action, considered unusual given the current diplomatic tensions between the two countries, demonstrates an ongoing commitment to tackling transnational drug trafficking.
According to AFP, the seizure occurred off Clarion Island, approximately 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) from the Mexican port city of Manzanillo in Colima state.
According to a statement issued by the Mexican navy, “about 188 packages containing several tons of cocaine” were recovered from the vessel. Multiple individuals were also arrested during the operation, although authorities did not specify the exact number of detainees.
The operation comes amid escalating pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly vowed to take stronger action against Mexican drug cartels, which he has described as posing a “grave threat to national security.”
Trump has also threatened additional tariffs on Mexico to encourage more stringent anti-cartel measures, including arrests and drug raids.
Relations between the two countries are further complicated as negotiations over the North American free trade agreement, involving the US, Mexico, and Canada, continue this year.
Adding to the tension, the Trump administration reported that drones operated by Mexican cartels near the US-Mexico border had temporarily forced the shutdown of a Texas airport.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum countered the claim, stating that her government had received no reports of cartel-operated drones along the border.
Despite these differences, the successful joint cocaine seizure highlights that cooperation between US and Mexican authorities remains possible in the fight against drug trafficking.
