Chetumal cocaine shipment destroyed after 2024 maritime seizure
Original reporting: Noticaribe
What happened
SEMAR says 3,027 kilograms of cocaine seized southeast of Mahahual in 2024 were destroyed in Chetumal, with an estimated value of 1.168 billion pesos.
Reporting and context
More than 3 metric tons of cocaine were incinerated in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, after authorities estimated the shipment was worth 1.168 billion pesos and could have produced about 4.3 million doses.
According to Mexico’s Navy Secretariat (SEMAR), the destruction involved 153 packages weighing approximately 3,027 kilograms. The procedure took place at Marine Infantry Battalion No. 502 in coordination with Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR), as part of federal efforts against drug trafficking.
SEMAR reported that naval personnel seized the cocaine on May 9, 2024, during maritime surveillance roughly 165 nautical miles, or about 305 kilometers, southeast of Mahahual. The operation took place in Caribbean waters as naval crews monitored the area for suspected illicit activity.
The ceremony was conducted under Mexico’s 2024-2030 National Public Security Strategy and involved military and civilian authorities. Official estimates placed the destroyed cargo’s value at 1,168,255,780 pesos. Quintana Roo’s governor attended with commanders from the Fifth Naval Region and the 11th Naval Zone, along with other participating officials. SEMAR said the coordinated actions are intended to reduce criminal organizations’ operational and financial capacity and prevent illicit drugs from reaching the public.