On Thursday, the U.S. Coast Guard unloaded a massive haul of 12,471 pounds of confiscated drugs in Miami Beach, following a successful operation in the Caribbean Sea. Authorities disclosed that the seized illicit substances carry an estimated street value of $141 million. This operation was executed by the Cutter Valiant, which docked at the Coast Guard base in Miami Beach.
The Coast Guard's press release highlighted that this offloading marks the conclusion of six interdictions carried out by crews from multiple entities: the U.S. Coast Guard ships Valiant and Joseph Doyle, the Royal Netherlands Navy's HNLMS Groningen, the Royal Canadian Navy's HMCS Harry DeWolf, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations, along with the Coast Guard's Tactical Law Enforcement Team and the Pacific region.
Arrests and Legal Proceedings
This comprehensive operation led to the arrest of over ten individuals over the past month, with at least four already incarcerated. In total, 17 alleged drug traffickers have been extradited to the United States to face federal charges. John Aguilo, a Coast Guard member, emphasized the significance of the operation, stating, "This is a significant blow to drug traffickers, as it removes these substances from our waters and prevents them from reaching the U.S."
While the majority of the confiscated goods consist of cocaine, authorities are conducting tests to identify other potentially mixed illegal substances.
Details of Caribbean Operations
The operation kicked off on February 2nd when a Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard crew spotted a suspicious vessel in international waters approximately 30 miles north of Venezuela. The Royal Netherlands Navy's HNLMS Groningen, with a U.S. Coast Guard detachment on board, intercepted a fast boat, arresting five suspected smugglers and seizing about 6,220 pounds of cocaine.
On the same day, the HC-144 Ocean Sentry crew, deployed from the Miami Coast Guard Air Station, identified another suspicious vessel 35 miles southwest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Joseph Doyle was dispatched to intercept, resulting in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of 2,200 pounds of cocaine. Lieutenant Commander David Radin lauded the crew's commitment to maritime border security.
On February 14th, a Dutch maritime patrol crew detected another suspect vessel 18 miles north of Venezuela. The Groningen deployed two small boats with a U.S. Coast Guard LEDET 105 team to intercept. During the chase, the suspects discarded bales of contraband into the sea before escaping into Venezuelan waters, but 571 pounds of cocaine were recovered.
Days later, on February 17th, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection crew spotted a suspicious motorboat 50 miles northeast of the Dominican Republic. The Valiant intercepted the vessel, apprehending five suspects and seizing approximately 1,280 pounds of cocaine.
International Cooperation and Coordinated Effort
On the following Tuesday, a Dutch maritime patrol informed the HNLMS Groningen crew of another suspicious vessel 120 miles northwest of Aruba. The fast boat ignored orders to stop, prompting warning shots, and was eventually halted, with 545 pounds of cocaine seized.
On Saturday, the Royal Canadian Navy's HMCS Harry DeWolf intercepted another boat 176 miles north of Cabo de La Vela, Colombia, arresting three suspects and seizing 1,650 pounds of cocaine.
These interdictions were made possible through the coordinated efforts of multiple organizations, including the U.S. Coast Guard, the Royal Netherlands Navy, the Royal Canadian Navy, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-South). "These seizures demonstrate the Coast Guard's unwavering commitment to safeguarding America by securing our maritime borders," stated Lieutenant General Jesús Martínez Borges of the Coast Guard's Seventh District.
The USCGC Valiant, a 210-foot medium endurance cutter from the Reliance class, based in Jacksonville, Florida, played a pivotal role in these operations, underscoring the U.S. government's dedication to combating drug trafficking on international waters.
Key Aspects of the Drug Seizure Operation in the Caribbean
What was the total weight of drugs seized in the Caribbean operation?
The operation resulted in the seizure of 12,471 pounds of drugs.
What is the estimated street value of the seized drugs?
The seized drugs have an estimated street value of $141 million.
Which organizations participated in these operations?
The operation involved the U.S. Coast Guard, the Royal Netherlands Navy, the Royal Canadian Navy, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-South).