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The Mexican Navy’s at-sea cocaine seizures are up nearly 50% this year

MND Staff
By MND Staff
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Navy at-sea bust
The Mexican Navy's maritime operations have resulted in the seizure of 37.9 tonnes of cocaine, as well as the confiscation of 81 boats and the apprehension of 86 suspects. (Semar)

Cocaine seizures by the Mexican Navy have increased significantly this year, rising 47.2% from 25.7 metric tonnes in 2025 to 37.9 tonnes this year as of Sept. 10.

“These results are the product of operations carried out by the Mexican Navy through surface, air and Marine Corps units, focused on monitoring the coasts and national waters, as well as detecting, intercepting, and seizing vessels linked to illicit activities,” the Navy (Semar) stated in a report.

Navy bust
The Navy points out that the at-sea actions are not spur of the moment but rather “the product of operations carried out by the Mexican Navy through surface, air and Marine Corps units, focused on monitoring the coasts and national waters.” (Semar)

Semar’s maritime operations aim to disrupt the logistical capacity of criminal organizations operating in the maritime domain, according to Semar. 

In addition to the drugs seized, the Navy’s maritime operations this year have resulted in the confiscation of 26 vessels, one low-profile vessel (LPV) and 54 outboard motorboats, as well as the arrest of 86 suspects. 

The seizure of the substances “contributes to reducing their availability and circulation, as well as preventing them from reaching communities and particularly affecting younger generations,” Semar said in a statement 

“With this action, the Mexican Navy contributes to the protection of youth and the creation of safer environments for children and young people.”

In a related development, on Tuesday a coordinated effort of Semar and the National Customs Agency of Mexico at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) confiscated 1 metric tonne of cocaine that had been declared as ground roasted coffee and hidden in over 3,000 bags. 

“With these actions, the Navy, Customs, the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) and other security cabinet institutions are strengthening inter-institutional cooperation and reinforcing control and oversight mechanisms to protect legality in foreign trade operations,” the authorities said. 

With reports from Sin Embargo and La Jornada 

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