MJP-
More than 3,400 pounds of cocaine and 4,410 pounds of marijuana, worth at almost $50 million, were returned to Port Everglades, Florida, on Friday by the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba.
The drugs were confiscated during interdiction operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, which were carried out in conjunction with a team from a Law Enforcement Detachment and a Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron.
Following the discovery of a disabled vessel by aircrew in Alabama, 182 Haitian migrants were repatriated by the US Coast Guard.
Disrupting illicit drug trafficking routes off the coast of South America was a joint effort between the Escanaba crew and interagency and international partners.
During the interdictions, seven individuals were taken into federal custody on suspicion of smuggling. They will now face prosecution.
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Coordination between several agencies and nations is essential in the intricate process of identifying and apprehending drug traffickers.
Drug transit surveillance is a major responsibility of the Joint Interagency Task Force-South, with interdiction and apprehension being the purview of the United States Coast Guard.
The goal of the Coast Guard to stop the flow of illicit narcotics and defend our nation’s security requires their presence in the Eastern Pacific. According to Vice Adm.
Nathan Moore, head of the Coast Guard Atlantic Area, and the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba have once again proven the importance of our people in these intricate operations with their consistent professionalism and devotion.
Keeping a robust presence in this area allows us to safeguard our communities and provide unmatched service. The success of the Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba is a result of our dedication to doing a good job and living by our principles.
Portsmouth, Virginia is homeport to the Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba, a medium endurance cutter measuring 270 feet. The 100-person crew, specialized aircrews, and law enforcement teams all work together to make a huge difference in the battle against drug trafficking and organized crime.
