Soldiers of the Comando Sumpul of the Armed Forces intercepted three Salvadoran nationals at the unauthorized La Ceiba crossing in La Hachadura, Ahuachapán Sur, as they tried to enter the country.[1] The three were travelling in a private vehicle.[1] The detainees were Edgar Efraín Gómez Guzmán and Steven Adonay Ortega Rodezno, both 21, and a 16-year-old.[1] The three were placed at the disposal of the courts.[1] Diario1 named the same two 21-year-olds and reported that two of the detainees were identified while a minor was added to them.[2]

They carried three bundles holding 60 marijuana packages weighing 139.14 pounds, about 63.11 kg.[1] Field tests on the packages put the exact weight at 139.14 pounds.[1] Authorities put the value of the load at about USD 204,740.[1]

Defence Minister René Francis Merino Monroy confirmed the seizure and the arrests.[1] The interception took place during border patrols and controls against drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.[1] The La Ceiba area in La Hachadura is described as a vulnerable point for illegal entry of people and goods, where military deployments have been reinforced.[1] The minister said the government would maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward drug trafficking.[1]