Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Coast Guard Seize $6.4 Million in Narcotics from Crude Oil Tanker in Port of Los Angeles

A joint boarding operation led to the discovery of 500 pounds of cocaine

WASHINGTON - The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Coast Guard, and other federal agency partners conducted an operation that seized narcotics from a crude oil tanker in Los Angeles.

On May 21, HSI Los Angeles, along with the Coast Guard, conducted a joint boarding operation on the Motor Tanker Aquatravesia, a crude oil tanker, in the Port of Los Angeles. A Coast Guard narcotics detection canine alerted the boarding team to suspected contraband, and the team positively identified 500 pounds of cocaine, worth approximately $6.4 million.

"This operation highlights Homeland Security Investigations' unwavering commitment to combating transnational crime and safeguarding the United States from illicit narcotics," said Eddy Wang, HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge. "HSI's swift response and investigative expertise were instrumental in identifying and seizing over 226 kilograms of cocaine destined for our communities. 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."

"The success of this narcotics seizure is a testament to the coordinated efforts of the DHS enterprise to dismantle the efforts of drug smugglers under our respective authorities and responsibilities," said Captain Stacey Crecy, Sector Commander at Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach. "Through stellar coordination, we effectively detained the suspect and removed the contraband from the vessel to protect the maritime transportation system and facilitate commerce as quickly as possible."

HSI arrested one individual, and two others were taken into custody.

This seizure continues record-setting HSI and Coast Guard operations to interdict, seize, and disrupt transshipment of cocaine and other bulk illicit drugs by land and by sea. This includes HSI's seizure of over 917,000 pounds of cocaine in 2025, as well as accelerated counter-narcotics operations along the southern border. The Coast Guard has seized over 511,000 pounds of cocaine in 2025 - over three times the Service's annual average - as well as accelerated counter-narcotics operations in the Eastern Pacific through Operation Pacific Viper.

HSI's and the Coast Guard's persistent operations and rapid response have denied criminal organizations billions in illicit revenue and prevented the flow of dangerous drugs into American communities.

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