El Salvador Seizes 6.6 Tons of Cocaine at Sea

The Salvadoran Navy intercepted a vessel carrying the massive drug haul worth an estimated $165 million.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Salvadoran Navy intercepted a ship in international waters that was transporting 6.6 tons of cocaine, with an approximate value of $165 million, the country's government announced.

Why it matters

El Salvador has struggled with high rates of drug trafficking and gang violence, and this seizure represents a significant blow to transnational criminal organizations operating in the region. The country has made drug interdiction a priority in recent years.

The details

According to authorities, the Navy intercepted the vessel carrying the massive cocaine shipment in international waters. The drugs had an estimated street value of $165 million. This marks one of the largest drug busts in El Salvador's history.

  • The seizure occurred on February 16, 2026.

The players

Salvadoran Navy

The naval branch of the Salvadoran armed forces responsible for maritime security and drug interdiction operations.

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The takeaway

This record-breaking cocaine seizure demonstrates El Salvador's ongoing efforts to combat the flow of illegal drugs through the region and disrupt the operations of powerful transnational criminal organizations.