CARIBBEAN SEA (WSVN) — The crew aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dependable seized over $10 million worth of cocaine and marijuana within one week.
The Dependable, a 210-foot patrol boat that conducts maritime safety and security, was used to conduct three international and inter-agency narcotics operations over the span of a week. Within that week alone, 76 crew members seized approximately 325 kilograms of cocaine, 600 pounds of marijuana and apprehended 15 suspected drug smugglers.
The drugs seized represent a total wholesale value of over $10.1 million.
The U.S. Coast Guard worked alongside the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, other U.S. law enforcement officials, Royal Bahamian Defense Force, Royal Bahamian Police Force and a Bahamian Drug Enforcement Unit.
The Dependable’s law enforcement teams were able to seize the narcotics and apprehend suspects by boarding vessels transporting illicit cargo. These ships were likely bound for the United States, they said.
Lt. Ken Franklin, the operations officer for the Dependable, explained why the mission was a success. "This is a great example of how the Coast Guard collaborates across multiple agencies to counter the efforts of drug trafficking organizations," he said. "This past week’s success was the culmination of ongoing cooperative efforts across international borders and organizational boundaries."
To learn more about the Dependable, visit http://www.uscg.mil/lantarea/cgcdependable.