Drug Smuggler Arrested Off California Coast
This week, federal agents apprehended a suspected drug smuggler off the coast of California after seizing cocaine worth $6.4 million on an oil tanker intended for a Mexican cartel.
Cesar Tubay Guerrasio Jr., a 43-year-old from the Philippines, faces charges related to the importation of a controlled substance, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
Authorities from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Coast Guard collaborated on an operation involving the motor tanker Aquatravesia, which was anchored in the Port of Los Angeles.
A drug-sniffing dog from the Coast Guard alerted agents to the potential contraband, leading to the discovery of approximately 500 pounds of cocaine with an estimated value of $6.4 million, as reported by the Department of Homeland Security.
HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge, Eddie Wang, stated that this operation underscores the agency’s commitment to combatting transnational crime and keeping illegal drugs out of America.
Wang noted, “HSI’s swift action and investigative skills led to the identification and seizure of this significant quantity of cocaine meant for our communities.” He emphasized the importance of teamwork with other organizations to disrupt crime syndicates that threaten public safety.
Col. Stacey Cressey of the L.A.-Long Beach Coast Guard Division described the seizure as a strong example of how coordinated efforts among DHS agencies are essential in dismantling drug trafficking operations.
Cressey remarked, “Through excellent collaboration, we effectively detained suspects and removed contraband from the vessel to protect our maritime transport system.”
Documents related to the case indicate that the Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged Aquatravesia had last departed from Ecuador, heading to the U.S. with a substantial drug cargo aimed at a Mexican cartel.
Investigators discovered multiple packages believed to contain drugs hidden within the ship’s garbage area.
According to the affidavit, the captain questioned crew members and found that the drugs were believed to belong to Guerrasio. The captain then relocated the drugs within the ship.
While still in Mexican waters, the captain received word that cartel members were expected to recover the drugs on May 14 and 15, sending additional boats to seize the vessel if the delivery failed.
U.S. authorities guided the Aquatravesia to Los Angeles and Long Beach ports before law enforcement boarded the vessel on Thursday. Allegations suggest that Guerrasio had received the drugs in Ecuador, intending to distribute them while close to Mexican shores.
If found guilty, Guerrasio could potentially face life imprisonment. Additionally, two other individuals have been detained in relation to the operation.
