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:

• This mission signifies the final patrol for the Cutter Alert out of its current homeport in Astoria, Oregon.

Credits: Fox5Vegas