Federal Agents Seize $6.4 Million in Cocaine from Crude Oil Tanker at Port of Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA. — Federal authorities announced the seizure of approximately 500 pounds of cocaine valued at an estimated $6.4 million during a joint operation aboard a crude oil tanker at the Port of Los Angeles.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles office and the U.S. Coast Guard conducted a boarding operation on the Motor Tanker Aquatravesia on May 21.

During the inspection, a Coast Guard narcotics detection canine alerted authorities to suspected contraband. Boarding teams subsequently located and identified approximately 226 kilograms, or 500 pounds, of cocaine hidden aboard the vessel.

HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang said the operation demonstrated the agency’s commitment to disrupting transnational criminal organizations and preventing narcotics from reaching American communities.

“HSI’s swift response and investigative expertise were instrumental in identifying and seizing over 226 kilograms of cocaine destined for our communities,” Wang said.

The Coast Guard credited the success of the operation to coordination among multiple federal agencies. Captain Stacey Crecy, commander of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, said the seizure removed dangerous drugs from the maritime transportation system while allowing commerce to continue with minimal disruption.

Authorities arrested one individual in connection with the case, while two additional people were taken into custody. DHS did not immediately release the identities of those detained or announce any criminal charges.

The seizure is part of broader federal counter-narcotics efforts targeting drug trafficking organizations operating by land and sea. DHS reported that HSI has seized more than 917,000 pounds of cocaine nationwide in 2025. The Coast Guard reported seizing more than 511,000 pounds of cocaine this year, more than three times its historical annual average, including through enhanced operations in the Eastern Pacific under Operation Pacific Viper.

Federal officials said the ongoing enforcement efforts have deprived criminal organizations of billions of dollars in illicit revenue while preventing large quantities of narcotics from entering the United States.