International News: US Coast Guard offloads millions in seized cocaine in Caribbean

By Horace Palacio: A collaborative effort between the US Coast Guard and the British Royal Navy HMS Trent led to a significant interdiction in the Caribbean Sea, resulting in the seizure of 5600 pounds of cocaine. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is $4.5 million USD (approximately $9 million BZD). Two individuals from the Dominican Republic, suspected of drug smuggling, were apprehended during the operation, which took place southwest of Cabo Rojo in Puerto Rico on March 3.

The successful bust underscores ongoing international efforts to combat drug trafficking networks operating in the Caribbean. Coast Guard officials cite this interdiction as a result of the Coast Guard’s Western Hemisphere Strategy and Operation Unified Resolve, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining security in the region.

“We appreciate the work and collaboration of our British Royal Navy partners in stopping drug smuggling vessels in the high seas,” said Commander Gerard Wenk, Coast Guard Sector San Juan chief of response. “The work we do together daily with our federal and local and regional partners helps protect and bring stability to the Caribbean region from this threat.”

Denise Foster, DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge, emphasized the dangers of drug trafficking organizations: “Drug smuggling organizations pose the greatest threat to the safety and health of our citizens.” She continued, “The dedication of all maritime surveillance assets is crucial to the success of the mission at hand. We will continue to work with our counterparts and allocate all our law enforcement resources to make a greater impact in vulnerable areas where criminal organizations dedicated to drug trafficking are causing greater damage.”

The US Coast Guard highlights that this mission falls under the broader initiative of Operation Caribbean Guard. This multi-agency operation involves close collaboration between the US Coast Guard, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Commonwealth and Territorial law enforcement partners to combat illicit maritime trafficking targeting Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

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