CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Two Ecuadorians, who were recently arrested by the U.S. Coast Guard and accused of smuggling approximately 4,000 pounds of cocaine, will be prosecuted by the state of South Carolina, Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews announced Friday. The case will be prosecuted in Charleston due to an ongoing international drug trafficking investigation by federal law enforcement there.
Carlos Armando Cedeno, 29, and Jorge Augusto Mero Figueroa, 60, were charged with possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine while on board a vessel subject to United States’ jurisdiction, and jettisoning (dumping into ocean) property that is subject to forfeiture under federal drug laws, according to Andrews.
The Coast Guard detected the suspect vessel on March 10 approximately 234 miles southeast of the Galapagos Islands.
We’re proud to partner with the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Coast Guard to combat transnational criminal organizations bringing dangerous narcotics into the U.S,” Andrews said. “The coordinated effort, culminating in arrests and the transfer of this case to the District of South Carolina, demonstrates the effectiveness of our interagency collaboration in disrupting the flow of illicit narcotics. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our borders and keep our communities safe.”
This case being prosecuted by the Palmetto State is one of 14 operations uncovered by the U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security totaling 45,600 pounds of narcotics seized with a value of more than $517 million, authorities said.
