BUENAVENTURA - Colombian national police have carried out one of the biggest cocaine seizures of the past decade, confiscating 14 tons of cocaine in the port of Buenaventura. The massive shipment, which was intended for the Netherlands, was discovered hidden inside a container after detection dogs alerted officers.
Authorities say the cocaine was mixed with gypsum in an attempt to disguise its appearance. The haul, according to officials, prevents the circulation of an estimated 35 million doses with a street value exceeding 388 million dollars.
President Petro: A “Historic Operation”
Colombian President Gustavo Petro described the seizure as historic, noting that it is the largest drug interception in years. The announcement comes at a sensitive moment, shortly after the United States removed Colombia from the list of countries considered to be fully cooperating in global counter-narcotics efforts.
The Colombian government has criticized the U.S. decision, calling the removal unjustified.
The record-breaking bust highlights ongoing tensions in international drug control policy, as well as Colombia’s continuing efforts to combat drug trafficking despite political friction with Washington.