MIAMI, CMC – The United States Coast Guard reported that the crew of its cutter Vigilant has safely returned to Cape Canaveral, Florida, after offloading over 1,510 pounds of cocaine and 1,470 pounds of marijuana. These drugs were seized in the Caribbean Sea during a series of interdiction operations. The combined value of the seized narcotics is estimated at approximately US$18.5 million. The successful operation highlights the ongoing efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard to combat drug trafficking in the region.
The US Coast Guard said that, during the Vigilant’s 54-day patrol, Coast Guard crews, working alongside interagency and international partners, seized the illegal drugs in the Caribbean Sea during two separate interdictions.
Along with the illicit narcotics, the US Coast Guard said 15 suspected smugglers were apprehended and will face prosecution in federal courts by the US Department of Justice.
The crew also rescued or assisted more than 40 people in the Caribbean before and after Hurricane Milton.
“This was another exceptional patrol highlighting the versatility of our cutter and crew conducting search and rescue, migrant interdiction, and counter-narcotic operations,” said Commander Jon Potterton, commanding officer of Vigilant.
“We are proud to work seamlessly with partner nations, partner agencies, and other Coast Guard assets to keep drugs off the streets and rescue people in distress during a very busy hurricane season. We look forward to returning to our community and families and celebrating Cutter Vigilant’s 60 years of service.”
