The Coast Guard’s recent interception of 142 bricks of cocaine marks a major victory in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the Caribbean.
At a Glance
- The Coast Guard seized nearly 400 pounds of cocaine from a vessel in Puerto Rico, leading to the arrest of two men.
- Cocaine packages valued at $4.3 million were intercepted by the cutter Joseph Tezanos.
- The operation is part of the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force, involving multiple enforcement agencies.
- Puerto Rico remains a key transit point for drugs heading to the U.S. mainland.
Major Drug Seizure in the Caribbean
The U.S. Coast Guard made headlines after seizing nearly 400 pounds of cocaine on a small boat near Puerto Rico. The discovered cargo, amounting to 142 bricks of cocaine, amounted to a street value of $4.3 million. This operation emphasizes the Coast Guard’s vigilance in making our shores safer. Two U.S. citizens taken into custody now face federal charges, potentially resulting in sentences from ten years to life.
The suspicious vessel was spotted on international waters on September 28, heading towards Puerto Rico’s western shores. This discovery was executed by the Coast Guard cutter Joseph Tezanos, part of the broader Caribbean Corridor Strike Force operation. This coordinated effort showcases the prowess of various law enforcement bodies in stemming drug flow into the country.
Wow!! 4950 lbs of cocaine seized by Coast Guard Cutter Alert – street value of over $143 million! ⚓️#druginterdiction@USCG @USCGPacificNW
Read more:https://t.co/Csu8r9kag8 pic.twitter.com/OhcZMXwZ6S
— USCG Pacific Area (@USCGPACAREA) February 26, 2024
Ongoing Efforts Against Drug Trafficking
The Caribbean remains a significant transit pathway for drugs destined for the U.S. mainland. The incident involving the cutter Joseph Tezanos is just one in a series of recent successes. Last month, $33 million worth of cocaine was recovered on a Puerto Rican beach, further showcasing the region’s risk for drug trafficking operations. U.S. Coast Guard operations remain crucial to minimize this threat and protect American communities.
“This not only showcases the threat posed by dangerous cartels, gangs and criminal groups that make up extensive transitional organized crime networks, but it also highlights the commitment of the Coast Guard and its interagency partners’ efforts to detect, interdict, investigate and prosecute operatives for these criminal networks,” said Vice Adm. Karl Schultz, commander, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area.
Additional seizures have highlighted the threat of semi-submersibles — so-called “narco subs” — used by cartels. Such vessels evade detection and require extreme vigilance and collaboration among agencies. This coordinated fight underscores the increased sophistication in methods used by these criminal organizations.
Collaborative Operations Crucial for Success
Standout efforts come from collaborative multi-agency operations such as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative. These efforts combine intelligence from diverse federal and international bodies, allowing for interceptions and arrests before contraband reaches U.S. streets. The Coast Guard’s Seventh District, based in Miami, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the porous seas around the Caribbean and beyond.
“Hamilton’s cargo this morning represents the combined efforts of the multinational coalition, led by the U.S. Coast Guard, which is working to stem the tide of the narcotics trade in the Caribbean Basin,” said Commodore Craig Baines.
As these operations continue, support from patriotic citizens and Congress is essential to maintain and enhance these crucial interdiction strategies. Ensuring resources and funding helps sustain these efforts, reflecting the Coast Guard’s enduring tenacity in the fight against international drug trafficking.