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The United States Coast Guard unloaded a total of 12,471 pounds of seized drugs in Miami Beach this Thursday from the Caribbean Sea.
The authorities reported that the seized illegal drugs have an estimated street value of 141 million dollars.
The operation was carried out by the Cutter Valiant, which docked at the Coast Guard base in Miami Beach.
"The seizure is the culmination of six interdictions carried out by the crews of: the U.S. Coast Guard, Valiant, Joseph Doyle, the HNLMS Groningen of the Royal Netherlands Navy, the HMCS Harry DeWolf of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Tactical Law Enforcement Team of the U.S. Coast Guard, Pacific, and the Air and Marine Operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection," the authorities detailed in a press release.
Seizures and arrests
The operation led to the arrest of more than 10 people throughout the month, of whom at least four are already behind bars.
In total, 17 alleged drug traffickers have been transferred to U.S. territory to face federal judicial proceedings.
John Aguilo, a member of the Coast Guard, highlighted the impact of the operation: "It's an impact (...) for drug traffickers, taking these drugs out of the waters and out of the United States, so they don't arrive here."
The seized merchandise primarily consists of cocaine, although authorities have reported that they will analyze samples to detect the possible presence of other illegal substances mixed in.
Details of the operations in the Caribbean
The first operation took place on February 2, when a crew from the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard detected a suspicious vessel in international waters approximately 30 miles north of Venezuela.
The crew of the Royal Netherlands Navy ship HNLMS Groningen, with a team from the U.S. Coast Guard's 105th detachment on board, intercepted a fast boat, arrested five alleged traffickers, and confiscated approximately 6,220 pounds of cocaine.
On that same day, a crew from the HC-144 Ocean Sentry, deployed from the Coast Guard Air Station in Miami, detected another suspicious vessel 35 miles southwest of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The crew sent the cutter Joseph Doyle, which intercepted the boat, apprehended three suspected drug traffickers, and seized 2,200 pounds of cocaine.
"I am proud of the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by the crew of the Coast Guard cutter Joseph Doyle in protecting our maritime border," stated Lieutenant Commander David Radin.
On February 14, a Dutch maritime patrol crew detected another suspicious vessel 18 miles north of Venezuela.
The crew of the Groningen deployed two small boats with a team from the LEDET 105 of the U.S. Coast Guard to intercept it.
During the pursuit, the occupants threw bundles of contraband into the sea before fleeing into Venezuelan territorial waters. They managed to recover 571 pounds of cocaine.
Days later, on February 17, a crew from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection detected a suspicious boat 50 miles northeast of the Dominican Republic.
In response, the Valiant vessel intercepted the boat, apprehended five alleged smugglers, and seized approximately 1,280 pounds of cocaine.
International cooperation and coordinated effort
The following Tuesday, a Dutch maritime patrol notified the crew of the HNLMS Groningen about another suspicious vessel 120 miles northwest of Aruba.
The speedboat ignored the orders to stop, which forced the crew to fire warning shots. Ultimately, the vessel was stopped and 545 pounds of cocaine were seized.
On Saturday, the crew of the Royal Canadian Navy ship HMCS Harry DeWolf intercepted another boat 176 miles north of Cabo de La Vela, Colombia, detaining three alleged drug traffickers and seizing 1,650 pounds of cocaine.
A joint effort against drug trafficking
These interdictions were made possible through the coordination of several agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, the Royal Netherlands Navy, the Royal Canadian Navy, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-South).
"These seizures are a testament to the Coast Guard's ongoing dedication to protecting the United States by securing our maritime borders," stated Lieutenant General Jesús Martínez Borges of the Seventh District of the Coast Guard.
The USCGC Valiant, a 210-foot medium endurance vessel of the Reliance class, based in Jacksonville, Florida, played a key role in these operations, highlighting the U.S. government's commitment to the fight against drug trafficking in international waters.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Coast Guard's Anti-Drug Operation in the Caribbean
How many drugs did the U.S. Coast Guard seize in the Caribbean?
The United States Coast Guard seized a total of 12,471 pounds of drugs, primarily cocaine, in the Caribbean Sea. These drugs have an estimated street value of 141 million dollars.
What impact did the anti-drug operation have?
The operation led to the arrest of more than 10 individuals, of which at least four are already incarcerated. Seventeen alleged drug traffickers were transferred to the U.S. to face judicial proceedings, highlighting the significant impact on drug trafficking in the region.
Which nations collaborated in the anti-drug operation in the Caribbean?
The operation involved the collaboration of the U.S. Coast Guard, the Royal Netherlands Navy, and the Royal Canadian Navy, among others. This international cooperation was essential for the seizures and arrests made.
What was the role of the USCGC Valiant in the operations?
The USCGC Valiant, a medium endurance vessel of the Reliance class, was key in operations, highlighting the commitment of the U.S. government in the fight against drug trafficking in international waters.
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