**Cocaine Shipment in Ensenada Port Linked to El Lico and the Sinaloa Cartel**
In a recent operation at Ensenada Port, a container filled with cocaine wrapped in packages marked with a distinctive black and white infinity symbol was discovered by an officer of Customs and Border Protection. The significant drug haul, allegedly owned by the Sinaloa Cartel, included 300 packages weighing approximately 350 kilograms in total. The shipment was associated with a global shipping company, identifiable by its pink labeling and a logo depicting the letters ONE.
The interception of this shipment occurred shortly before midnight on November 15, 2024, aboard the vessel Iquique Exprés. Naval officers from the Second Naval Region, responsible for the port’s security, were called in to assist. Examination of the container, registered as TLLLU6022184, revealed connections to international organized crime activities.
Data from the Port Authority highlight a complex dynamic at Ensenada Port, with 283,000 containers processed from January to August 2024 alone. The seized cocaine, originating from Guayaquil, Ecuador, was destined for Ningbo, China, following a common trafficking route utilized by drug cartels.
The Sinaloa Cartel, known for its significant influence along Baja California’s coast, from the 28th parallel to Tijuana, seems to be behind this shipment. ONE, the implicated shipping line, prides itself on offering comprehensive logistic solutions, though its operations have inadvertently clashed with illegal cargo trade.
Despite the discovery, no arrests have been made, and suspects remain unidentified. The Mexican Navy seized the drugs for destruction by the Federal Attorney General’s Office. This incident isn’t isolated. Earlier in 2024, Ecuadorian authorities intercepted over six tons of cocaine also destined for Ensenada.
**Additional Insight: El Lico and Drug Trafficking Operations**
Investigations point toward Ricardo Beltrán, alias El Lico, as a central figure behind the drug operations at Ensenada Port. Previously collaborating with Jaime Daniel Gutiérrez García, also known as El Cachis or El Toro, both associated with the Sinaloa Cartel, El Lico has maintained a formidable presence in drug trafficking activities.
El Lico’s involvement in drug trafficking took a violent turn on January 7, 2024, when an attack targeting him resulted in the death of his child. This attack is viewed as part of a territorial dispute with El Cachis, leading to further shootings in Tijuana and other Baja California regions.
Another noteworthy figure, Alonso Arámbula Piña, or El Trébol, affiliated with El Lico, was targeted in a deadly ambush in May 2023. This incident, known as El Cachanillazo, resulted in ten deaths, underscoring the violent conflicts tied to drug operations.
**Cocaine Pricing and Trafficking Paths**
The price for cocaine within Mexico remains high, with estimates between 10,500 and 11,000 USD per kilogram in Tijuana. This cost sharply rises once the drug crosses into the United States, reaching up to 20,000 USD per kilogram in San Diego, indicative of the lucrative yet illicit drug trafficking networks in operation. Federal reports compare this bust to previous drug confiscations, such as the 2020 seizure from the vessel Mol Majesty, illustrating ongoing challenges in thwarting drug smuggling efforts through maritime routes.
Despite extensive crackdowns, the Ensenada Port continues to face challenges with drug-laden containers, fueled by persistent criminal operations within the region. Federal officials remain vigilant yet acknowledge the entrenched nature of drug smuggling as a constant threat.
**Secondary Article: Ongoing International Operations and Impact**
Additional reports indicate a rise in international collaborations aimed at combating drug trafficking. The United States recently imposed sanctions on individuals linked to the Gulf Cartel due to illicit activities, including illegal fishing and drugs trading. This move aligns with global efforts to dismantle international drug networks contributing to instability across regions.
Diplomatic discussions, as seen between Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former U.S. President Donald Trump, highlight the focus on enhancing cross-border security to deter drug and weapon smuggling. These talks emphasize shared concerns over the impact of organized crime on national security and commerce, showcasing a unified front in addressing transnational threats.
Further measures were taken by Mexican authorities when a fire erupted at a PEMEX refinery, potentially linked to criminal sabotage. As federal and international bodies tighten enforcement, such incidents reflect the complexities of maintaining security while navigating the threats posed by organized crime syndicates.