According to reports, the U.S. Coast Guard made a massive seizure of more than 11,600 pounds in cocaine and another 5,500 pounds of marijuana across three vessels worth $158 million.
Rear Adm. Andrew Sugimoto said the Cutters Vigilant, Mohawk and Steadfast all worked “diligently to combat transnational organized crime, disrupt drug flow and prevent significant amount of drugs from reaching the US.”
“Their unwavering commitment while interdicting drug smugglers at sea is not only commended, but their continued efforts are unmatched,” said Sugimoto.
“Nothing is guaranteed when a Coast Guard crew says ‘goodbye’ to loved ones and embarks on a multi-month patrol,” said Cmdr. Brock Eckel, the Steadfast’s commanding officer. “However, our team worked incredibly hard, day-and-night, to stop three smuggling vessels, preventing more than five tons of illicit narcotics from reaching American soil.”
