$113M of cocaine found after high-speed boat chase off Colombia in biggest drug bust of year

A high-speed boat chase resulted in Colombian authorities seizing $113 million worth of cocaine, marking the largest seizure of the year and preventing around 8 million doses of the drug from reaching the streets.

The Colombian navy pursued a boat near San Andrés Isla after the Colombian Air Force and the Joint Interagency Task Force of the United States Southern Command (JIATFS) identified a "suspicious motor vessel" in the Caribbean Sea.

Authorities chased the vessel for several miles while those onboard began "throwing packages into the water," the Colombian navy announced Tuesday.

During the chase, which spanned several miles, individuals onboard the boat began discarding packages into the water, as announced by the Colombian navy on Tuesday.

Video footage posted by the Colombian navy depicts the open-top vessel speeding through the bright blue waters while a smaller military vessel pursues it.

Eventually, the military boat intercepted the vessel, discovering blue drums and black bags onboard, which were then brought ashore. Authorities found and seized 3.3 tons of cocaine, marking the largest seizure this year.

The military vessel eventually intercepted the boat, finding blue drums and black bags on board, which were taken to shore.

In a statement, the navy emphasized, "It should be noted that the seized substance is valued in the illegal market at more than $113 million, dealing a significant blow to the finances of these illegal structures that endanger global public health."

The 3,355 kilograms of cocaine, tested by the Technical Investigation Corps, confirmed the presence of cocaine hydrochloride, equating to approximately 8 million doses.

The Colombian navy shared an aerial photograph showing blocks of cocaine filling a large area outside its command center.

Authorities seized 3.3 tons of cocaine, the biggest haul this year. The 3,355 kilograms were tested and came back positive for cocaine hydrochloride, which is equivalent to 8 million doses.

The five individuals onboard—comprising one Honduran, one Venezuelan, and three Colombians—were apprehended and are under the jurisdiction of the Attorney General's Office, according to the navy.

"This achievement underscores the level of training and dedication of our maritime personnel, who combat transnational crime in seas, rivers, coasts, and island areas. I extend my recognition and congratulations to each of them for the success of this significant operation," the navy stated.

This bust represents the second major seizure Colombian authorities have made this week.

The five people on board — one Honduran, one Venezuelan, and three Colombians — were arrested and "at the disposal of officials from the Attorney General's Office," according to the Colombian navy.

On Monday, police confiscated 1.7 tons of cocaine concealed within a shipment of avocados bound for Setúbal, Portugal, at a port in Santa Marta, as reported by William René Salamanca Ramírez, director general of the National Police of Colombia.

Video footage shared by Ramírez shows authorities uncovering blue blocks of cocaine hidden beneath avocados in crates.

Cocaine seizures off the coast of Colombia are not uncommon, given that Colombia is the largest producer of the narcotic, accounting for around 70% to 80% of the world's cocaine production, according to the US Drug Enforcement Administration. The country generates approximately $400 million worth of cocaine powder each week.