A man suspected of drug smuggling has been apprehended off the coast of California after authorities uncovered cocaine worth $6.4 million. The drugs were cleverly concealed in pink garbage bags with Dior labels.
The suspect, Ceasar Tubay Gelacio Jr., a 43-year-old from the Philippines, was taken into custody on Thursday when officials boarded the oil tanker Aquatravesia, which is owned by a Greek company and sails under a Liberian flag. The ship was near the busy ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach at the time of the arrest.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Gelacio Jr. is accused of attempting to smuggle nearly 500 pounds of cocaine. This operation is allegedly linked to a cartel that uses armed vessels along the Mexican coast for drug trafficking.
During the raid, photographs captured images of the brightly colored pink bags stuffed and hidden aboard the ship. Additional images showed numerous bars, believed to be the packaged cocaine, marked with the Dior brand, as well as various numbers and the letter ‘K.’
Eddy Wang, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles, commented on the operation, stating, “This operation highlights Homeland Security Investigations’ unwavering commitment to combating transnational crime and safeguarding the United States from illicit narcotics,” according to a report from Fox News.
‘This operation highlights Homeland Security Investigations’ unwavering commitment to combating transnational crime and safeguarding the United States from illicit narcotics,’ Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang said, as per Fox.
‘HSI’s swift response and investigative expertise were instrumental in identifying and seizing over 226 kilograms of cocaine destined for our communities,’ he continued.
‘We remain dedicated to pursuing those who attempt to exploit our ports and transportation systems, and to working with our partners to disrupt criminal organizations that threaten public safety.’
Law enforcement arrested Ceasar Tubay Gelacio Jr, 43, of the Philippines, after authorities found $6.4 million worth of cocaine abroad the Greek-owned oil tanker Aquatravesia
Photos taken during the raid showed bright pink bags packed full and hidden aboard the vessel, which authorities said contained approximately 227 kilograms of cocaine – around 500 pounds
Other images showed dozens of emblazoned bars – believed to be packaged drugs – marked with Dior branding, numbers and the letter ‘K’
Law enforcement said the arrest came after they were alerted that the oil tanker Aquatravesia, last in Ecuador, was en route to the US with massive quantities of drugs intended for a Mexican cartel earlier this month, according to an affidavit.
Crew members aboard the vessel reportedly uncovered ‘numerous packages hidden inside the ship’s garbage room that contained suspected narcotics.’
The captain of the ship interviewed crew members and determined Gelacio was allegedly in possession of the drugs, before transferring them to a ‘separate and secure’ room on board.
Federal investigators said the captain received warnings that armed cartel members in small boats would try to intercept the tanker off the Mexican coast during the night of May 14–15 to secure the cocaine.
‘If the drugs were not delivered at this time, additional crafts would be waiting in Mexican waters to board the oil tanker and recover the contraband,’ prosecutors said.
The captain also reported receiving what he believed were radio calls from cartel operatives attempting to contact the Aquatravesia ahead of a possible takeover attempt, according to the affidavit.
On Thursday, the tanker was directed to Southern California, where HSI and the US Coast Guard officially boarded the vessel at the Los Angeles–Long Beach port complex.
During the search, agents allegedly seized roughly 500 pounds of cocaine and learned that Gelacio had received the drugs in Ecuador.
Gelacio was charged with importation of a controlled substance and made his initial appearance Friday in federal court in downtown Los Angeles
Prosecutors said the drugs were intended to be transferred to a Mexican cartel while the vessel traveled past Mexico
Prosecutors said the drugs were intended to be transferred to a Mexican cartel while the vessel traveled past Mexico, according to court documents.
Gelacio was ultimately charged with importation of a controlled substance and made his initial appearance Friday afternoon in federal court in downtown Los Angeles.
If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of life.
HSI and the United States Coast Guard are investigating the case.
