$340 Million Worth of Cocaine Seized in Caribbean Sea

Colombia’s navy seized over seven tonnes of cocaine from boats in two Caribbean operations as pressure mounts over United States strikes on suspected drug-running boats.

According to reports by the navy, the raids took place last week at 90 nautical miles from Barranquilla and in the Gulf of Morrosquillo. The drugs are valued at more than $340 million, and 11 suspects were detained, CBS News reported.

Photos released by authorities show intercepted vessels and stacks of cocaine beside armed officers.

The seizures come as President Gustavo Petro is challenging the United States to stop lethal maritime strikes. During an October interview with CBS News, Petro said innocent civilians were among those killed in the U.S. strikes, adding that the attacks go against international law.

United States forces have launched at least 22 strikes since September. The Trump administration maintains that the targeted boats were carrying drugs. At least 87 people have died in these actions. The White House denies wrongdoing, stating that the operations are part of his effort to dismantle drug trafficking groups.