**Massive Cocaine Seizure at Ensenada Port Linked to El Lico**
A major drug bust recently occurred in the Port of Ensenada, where authorities seized a significant quantity of cocaine. The drugs, identified by an infinity symbol in black and white, were hidden inside a shipping container almost devoid of cargo. With around 350 kilograms split into 300 packages, the shipment is believed to belong to the Sinaloa Cartel. The cargo, traced back to a shipping company with a pink label and the logo “ONE,” suggests a sophisticated smuggling operation.
The seizure took place just before midnight on November 15, aboard the vessel Iquique Exprés. Customs officials and naval personnel inspected the suspicious container, leading to the discovery of the cocaine. This operation highlights the ongoing international drug trafficking challenges faced by port authorities. Between January and August 2024, Ensenada port handled 283,000 containers, indicating the scale of international trade traversing this facility.
Preliminary investigations by the Federal Prosecutor’s Office reveal that the shipment originally hailed from Guayaquil, Ecuador, destined for Ningbo, China—a route notorious among cartels. Control of this sector is said to lie with the Sinaloa Cartel, particularly under the influence of Ricardo Beltrán, or “El Lico,” who previously collaborated with other criminal figures tied to cartel activities.
Though no arrests have been made in connection with this particular bust, the transported goods were transferred to federal authorities for destruction. This incident is one among several, including an earlier seizure in Ecuador targeting over six tons of cocaine headed for Ensenada. These events underscore the persistent threat of narco-trafficking that plagues the port.
El Lico’s involvement traces back to his ties with Jaime Daniel Gutiérrez GarcÃa, known as “El Cachis” or “El Toro.” Past conflicts have led to violence spilling over into nearby regions. In an escalating power struggle, key figures and their businesses within the Ensenada vicinity have faced violent reprisals.
**Secondary Article**
**Impact of Cocaine Trafficking in Ensenada on Global Drug Markets**
The recent cocaine seizure at Ensenada port is a stark reminder of the sprawling networks supporting global drug trade operations. The price of cocaine varies dramatically between markets, with kilogram costs in Tijuana ranging between $10,500 and $11,000. However, once this illicit cargo crosses into the U.S., the value skyrockets to $18,000 or $20,000 per kilogram in San Diego, according to anti-drug enforcement sources.
The port of Ensenada’s strategic location serves as both a gateway and a bottleneck in these trafficking routes, often involving complex logistics and coordination across borders. Federal sources link the latest discovery to previous high-profile seizures involving large maritime vessels.
Despite ongoing efforts to curb such activities, the sheer volume of containers passing through Ensenada illustrates the challenge posed by well-funded criminal organizations. Their steady operations reveal the depths of smuggling sophistication, making continuous enforcement and international cooperation crucial to disrupting these illegal networks. As the battle against narcotics continues, the recent events at Ensenada highlight the enduring struggle of authorities to clamp down on transnational crime.
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