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A recent operation by the U.S. Coast Guard resulted in the confiscation of approximately 10,000 pounds of cocaine from a fishing boat in the Atlantic Ocean, as reported by the agency on Monday. The estimated value of this substantial drug bust is around $74 million.
This significant seizure occurred in mid-April when the crew of the Coast Guard cutter Calhoun tracked a suspicious fishing vessel approximately 1,200 miles west of Las Palmas in the Canary Islands. The fishing vessel exhibited behavior indicative of narcotic trafficking while navigating through international waters. In response, the Coast Guard deployed a small cutter to intercept the boat, leading to the discovery of the drugs on board.
Five individuals believed to be involved in the smuggling operation were detained and are currently in U.S. custody, according to the Coast Guard.
Vice Adm. Nathan Moore, commander of the Coast Guard Atlantic Area, stated, “This interdiction highlights the Coast Guard’s steadfast dedication to tackling transnational criminal organizations. Our skilled crews work closely with our interagency and international partners to disrupt the influx of illicit narcotics. This crucial effort not only undermines the financial networks of these organizations but also diminishes their capacity to fund further illegal activities that endanger our communities.”
In recent months, Coast Guard personnel have successfully intercepted multiple large drug shipments across various regions.
Just last week, the Coast Guard cutter Kimball offloaded around 18,898 pounds of cocaine, valued at over $214 million, in San Diego. This operation involved intercepting six trafficking vessels between February and April along the coasts of Mexico, Central America, and South America, according to federal officials.
Additionally, two weeks prior, Coast Guard cutters James and Mohawk reported the offloading of more than 48,000 pounds of illegal drugs characterized at over $509 million at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. This particular offload derived from 13 separate incidents of drug trafficking apprehensions within the eastern Pacific Ocean. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi noted that the combined hauls consisted of nearly 45,000 pounds of “pure cocaine” and approximately 3,800 pounds of marijuana.
Earlier this year, the Coast Guard cutter Waesche was involved in the seizure of more than 37,000 pounds of cocaine taken from smuggling vessels off the coasts of Mexico, Central America, and South America between December and February. It is reported that this cutter engaged with 11 vessels during that time frame, with the total haul valued at over $275 million.
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