El Salvador's Navy seized 6.6 tonnes of drugs during a maritime operation in the Pacific Ocean, in what authorities described as one of the largest drug busts in the country's history.

Security forces intercepted vessels carrying the drugs during an operation conducted in international waters, officials said.

The seized packages were later displayed to the media at La Concordia Port in La Paz during a press briefing.

Attorney General Rodolfo Delgado said the operation dealt a significant blow to transnational criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking.

President Nayib Bukele said the operation was carried out by the National Navy and estimated the value of the seized drugs at approximately $167 million.

Fight against drug trafficking

Bukele said combating drug trafficking remains one of his administration's top security priorities, adding that authorities have intensified maritime surveillance and interdiction operations in recent years.

El Salvador has strengthened its anti-crime strategy through large-scale security operations targeting organized criminal groups, while also increasing efforts to curb drug trafficking routes used across the region.

Authorities said investigations into the origin of the shipment and those responsible for the trafficking operation are continuing. (ILKHA)