The crew members of the US Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell successfully intercepted and seized more than 2,450 pounds of cocaine with an estimated value of $32.2 million in the Caribbean Sea.
The illicit narcotics were offloaded in Miami on Tuesday after being captured in international waters during two separate operations, as per Fox News.
Coast Guard Nets $32.2M Cocaine in Caribbean Sea
In a statement released by the US Coast Guard, it was revealed that the Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell was responsible for offloading the 2,450 pounds of cocaine in Miami. The seizures were the result of two coordinated interdictions aided by the USCG Cutter Richard Dixon, USCG Cutter Dauntless, and Joint Interagency Task Force South. The seized cocaine carried a hefty street value of $32.2 million.
"Thanks to the tremendous efforts of the Coast Guard crews and agency partners involved with this interdiction, Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell brought these suspected smugglers and illicit contraband ashore for prosecution," expressed Lt. Cmdr. Colin Weaver, Commanding Officer. "Coast Guard crews continue to deliver on our important missions of homeland and maritime security to save lives and thwart transnational criminal organizations operating in the Caribbean."
Six individuals suspected of being involved in the smuggling operation were apprehended during the operations. They now face federal charges in the United States as authorities begin the process of bringing them to justice. The swift and seamless collaboration between the Coast Guard, law enforcement agencies, and prosecutorial authorities ensured that those responsible for the criminal activities will be held accountable.
The successful interdictions occurred in the Caribbean Sea and were meticulously executed by the Coast Guard. These operations were carried out as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) designated investigations, according to WFLA News Channel 8.
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Task Force Surveillance Disrupts Criminal Organizations
The task force's main objective is to target and dismantle high-level criminal organizations that pose a significant threat to the United States. Using a multi-agency approach, the OCDETF focuses on identifying, disrupting, and ultimately dismantling these criminal organizations.
To effectively carry out their duties, the Joint Interagency Task Force in Key West, Florida, plays a vital role in the detection and monitoring of drug trafficking activities. This task force conducts extensive surveillance of both maritime and aerial drug trafficking in the region, gathering crucial intelligence necessary for successful interdictions.
When an interdiction operation is deemed imminent, the Coast Guard assumes full responsibility for the law enforcement phase. Employing their specialized skills and resources, they intercept and apprehend drug traffickers, safeguarding the region from the dangerous influence of transnational criminal organizations.
The latest successful operation showcases the dedicated efforts of the US Coast Guard and its partners in safeguarding the homeland and maritime security. By intercepting large quantities of illegal drugs, the Coast Guard saves lives and effectively counters the criminal activities of transnational organizations operating in the Caribbean.
As the confiscated cocaine is securely stored away and the suspected smugglers await their day in court, the US Coast Guard remains committed to its critical mission of protecting the nation from illicit activities and maintaining maritime security, CBS News reported
