Marshall Islands: Cocaine haul at Wotho Atoll
Photo:
Office of National Security, Marshall Islands
The discovery of 18 blocks of wrapped cocaine with an approximate total weight of 45 pounds was made on the oceanside of Kabin Island, Wotho Atoll, in mid-March by 11 local residents hunting coconut crab, according to a press release from the Office of National Security (ONS).
News of the discovery circulated among Wotho residents and local government officials before the Marshall Islands Police Department (MIPD) headquarters on Majuro was notified by the Wotho Atoll local council.
MIPD Majuro headquarters officially informed MIPD Ebeye Substation of the discovery on Friday, 21 March.
MIPD began pursuit to seize and control the cocaine on Monday, 24 March departing Ebeye on Sea Patrol's TARLAN-04 for Wotho Atoll. Upon return to Ebeye, a rapid test conducted by MIPD confirmed the substance to be cocaine.
The retrieved drugs were secured at the CID office.
MIPD Ebeye confirmed the destruction of approximately 45 pounds of cocaine on Friday, 11 April, 2025 at a controlled facility on North Loi Island with assistance from Kwajalein landowner Odrikawa Jatios.
The officers involved in the destruction of the drugs included Acting Assistant Commissioner Beejay Jacob, Captain Banner Korwan and Sergeant Carlson Clarance.
ONS director Chris deBrum said the office is looking forward to collaborating with MIPD and local leaders at the upcoming Marshall Islands Mayors Association annual meeting to develop strategies on national security and handling of drugs that float into the outer islands.
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