Bogotá, Dec 05 (V7N) – The Colombian Navy has seized 4,500 kilograms of cocaine during a major anti-smuggling operation in the Caribbean Sea, with an estimated market value of $216 million.

The operation took place approximately 80 nautical miles northwest of the Gulf of Morrosquillo, where naval forces intercepted a high-speed boat headed toward Honduras. Acting on intelligence data, authorities launched a swift maritime pursuit.

During the operation, officials recovered 180 bales of cocaine from the vessel. Five suspects on board were arrested.

According to initial assessments, the massive drug shipment was being smuggled under the control of the ‘Clan del Golfo’, one of Colombia’s most powerful organized armed groups known for transnational trafficking activities.

The seizure is considered a significant blow to the group’s drug-smuggling operations in the Caribbean region.

END/SMA/AJ