Coast Guard Seizes Over $143 Million Worth of Cocaine in Eastern Pacific

Washington D.C. – The U.S. Coast Guard announced the successful seizure of over $143 million worth of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

Details of the Operation:

During a two-month counter-narcotics patrol, a Coast Guard helicopter crew spotted a suspicious vessel acting erratically.
The vessel, often called a “go-fast” boat due to its high-powered engines, ignored orders to stop from Coast Guard officials.
The Coast Guard Cutter Alert deployed its pursuit teams and disabled the suspect vessel’s engines.
As suspected smugglers attempted to jettison the narcotics overboard, Coast Guard crews apprehended the vessel and recovered the discarded drugs.
In total, Coast Guard personnel retrieved over 11,000 pounds of cocaine, valued at an estimated $143 million on the wholesale market.

Significance of the Seizure:

This operation demonstrates the Coast Guard’s ongoing commitment to disrupting illegal drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific.
The seized narcotics represent a significant blow to criminal organizations operating in the region.
Commander Lee Crusius, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Alert, commended his team’s efforts and highlighted the importance of upholding international law and protecting vital interests.

Additional Information: