NEW YORK: The US Coast Guard and its allied forces have set a new record in drug seizure operations. A Coast Guard ship returned to its San Diego homeport
Carrying a record 14-ton narcotic haul seized from seafaring drug
More than 28,000 pounds of cocaine was seized over the last six months.
The arrival of the US Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell to San Diego marks an important milestone in the US government’s efforts to combat trans-national criminal organizations.
“The work by Boutwell and our partners with the US Navy, Canada and Customs and Border protection have helped us seized more drugs in six months than we did in all fiscal year in 2015,” said US Coast Guard Deputy Commander for Operations Charles Michel.
The crew returned to San Diego with more than 28,000 pounds of cocaine worth over $424 million dollars.
“The effort to dismantle these trans-national criminal organizations doesn’t just stop in the water or in the air, US prosecutor’s work tirelessly with the agency’s drug and enforcement administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Immigration Customs and many others to bring smugglers to justice,” he said.
During at-sea busts in international waters, investigators say suspect vessels are initially located and then tracked by allied military and law enforcement aircraft. All search, seizures and arrests are handled by the US Coast Guard.
“One of the many commonalities that we share, is that none of can deploy in the service of our nation without the outstanding support we receive from our families,” said Kenneth Floyd, commander with the United States Navy.
A handful of the Boutwell crew’s family members lined up outside, holding signs of support as they wait for their chance to finally see their loved ones after a long journey away from home.
“I don’t think anybody realizes how much the coast guard does and how much of an influence they have,” said Tabitha Reis, who was waiting for her husband, a member of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Investigators say this was the second major offload since November. The crew has turned over the 28,000 pounds of cocaine to the DEA. Fiscal 2015, which began Oct. 1, is already the most successful year in
U.S. counter-narcotics operations in the Eastern Pacific since 2009, officials said.