International News: US Coast Guard seizes thousands of pounds of illicit drugs in the Caribbean Sea

Published by [email protected] at October 25, 2023

Posted: Wednesday, October 25, 2023. 7:14 am CST.

By Horace Palacio: After an intense 29-day patrol in the Central Caribbean and Florida Straits, the US Coast Guard reported a significant disruption to illegal narcotics smuggling activities, culminating in the interdiction of more than 5,600 pounds of illicit drugs.

The US Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant played a pivotal role in the operation. According to an official statement, during this patrol, Vigilant’s crew successfully interdicted five drug-smuggling vessels and took eight suspected traffickers into custody. These actions directly align with the US Coast Guard’s ongoing efforts to combat the menace posed by transnational criminal organizations in the region.

Adding to the mission’s accomplishments, the crew also came to the rescue of 12 Cuban migrants stranded in an unseaworthy vessel approximately 120 nautical miles south of Cuba. These distressed individuals received essential supplies, including food, water, and shelter, along with necessary medical aid from the Coast Guard crew. Subsequently, measures were taken to ensure their safe repatriation.

Speaking on the mission’s success, Cmdr. Jon Potterton, the commanding officer of Vigilant, expressed immense pride in his crew’s dedication and achievements. “It was excellent that we were able to strengthen our domestic and international partnerships and work together to make the world a safer place,” he remarked.

The Vigilant, a 210-foot Reliance-class medium endurance cutter, primarily focuses on counter-drug operations, migrant interdiction, enforcing federal fishery laws, and search and rescue efforts in support of broader US Coast Guard operations.

The Atlantic Area, in its strategy against transnational organized crime and illegal maritime activities, routinely deploys ships like Vigilant to both the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific regions, ensuring these waters remain safer and more secure for all.

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