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A person suspected of drug smuggling has been taken into custody offshoreCaliforniaFollowing the discovery of $6.4 million in cocaine concealed within pink trash bags labeled with Dior’s logo, authorities took action.
Caesar Tubay Gelacio Jr., 43, from the Philippines, was taken into custody on Thursday following an operation by officials who boarded the Greek-registered, Liberian-flagged oil vessel Aquatravesia near the ports ofLos Angeles and Long Beach.
He is accused of smuggling almost 500 pounds of cocaine as part of a drug cartel-associated trafficking scheme that included armed ships stationed near the Mexican coastline,as stated by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
Images captured during the raid revealed bright pink bags filled to capacity and concealed on the ship.
Other pictures revealed dozens of stamped bars – thought to be illegal drugs – featuring Dior branding, numbers, and the letter ‘K.’
This initiative demonstrates Homeland Security Investigations’ steadfast dedication to fighting transnationalcrimeand protecting the United States from illegal drugs,’ said Eddy Wang, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles,as per Fox.
He added, ‘HSI’s quick reaction and investigative skills were key in locating and confiscating more than 226 kilograms of cocaine headed towards our neighborhoods.’
We are committed to chasing down individuals who try to misuse our ports and transport networks, and to collaborating with our allies to dismantle criminal groups that pose a risk to public security.
Law enforcement stated that the arrest occurred following their notification that the oil tanker Aquatravesia, which was last in Ecuador, was heading to the US carrying large amounts of drugs meant for a Mexican cartel earlier this month, as mentioned in an affidavit.
Aboard the ship, crew members reportedly found ‘multiple packages concealed within the vessel’s waste area, which are believed to contain illegal drugs.’
The ship’s captain questioned the crew and concluded that Gelacio was suspected to have the drugs, afterward moving him to a ‘separate and secure’ area on the vessel.
Federal authorities stated that the captain was alerted that armed cartel members in small vessels planned to approach the tanker near the Mexican coastline on the night of May 14–15 in an attempt to seize the cocaine.
“If the drugs weren’t delivered right now, other vessels would be waiting in Mexican waters to board the oil tanker and retrieve the illegal goods,” prosecutors stated.
The captain also stated that he received what he thought were radio communications from cartel members trying to reach the Aquatravesia before a potential takeover, as mentioned in the affidavit.
On Thursday, the ship was ordered to Southern California, where HSI and the U.S. Coast Guard officially boarded the vessel at the Los Angeles–Long Beach port area.
While conducting the investigation, officers reportedly confiscated approximately 500 pounds of cocaine and discovered that Gelacio had obtained the drugs in Ecuador.
Authorities stated that the drugs were meant to be handed over to a Mexican cartel as the ship passed through Mexican waters, according to legal filings.
Gelacio faced charges related to the importation of a restricted drug and appeared for the first time on Friday afternoon in a federal court located in downtown Los Angeles.
If found guilty, he could receive a required minimum sentence of 10 years in a federal prison and a potential maximum punishment of life imprisonment.
HSI and the U.S. Coast Guard are looking into the matter.
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