Caribbean Sea: US Coast Guard Intercepts Drug Smuggling Operations
Cruisers in the Caribbean and those crossing the Atlantic Ocean should be aware of anti-drug smuggling operations by the US Coast Guard which has intercepted three vessels since February 2024, including a self-propelled semi-submersible craft.
Published 7 months ago
A specialized U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement unit embarked on USS Leyte Gulf, a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, successfully intercepted and seized a semi-submersible vessel carrying thousands of pounds of cocaine in the U.S. Southern Command’s operational area.
The intercept took place in March 2024 after the crew of the USS Leyte Gulf detected a self-propelled semi-submersible drug smuggling vessel (SPSS) while patrolling the Atlantic Ocean.
According to a report in the Caribbean Loop news, the “narco-sub” was intercepted approximately 150 miles off the coast of Guyana.
Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) launched a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) to intercept the vessel, leading to the detention of the individuals aboard and the seizure of approximately 2,370 kilograms of cocaine.
Lt. Commander Travis Lee, the Leyte Gulf’s senior aviator, praised the team’s effort, stating that spotting the vessel was like finding a needle in a haystack. “I’ve been doing this for seven years and not once been able to find and acquire such an asset until now,” he said.
The operation follows a series of successful drug busts for the crew of the USS Leyte Gulf. In February, while patrolling the Caribbean Sea, the ship intercepted three different vessels. These operations involved both U.S. and partner nation forces and led to the recovery of a total of 1,720 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated $43.05 million.
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Related News:
- US Coast Guard Rescues Two Sailors and Assists in Cocaine Seizures during Caribbean Deployment (US Coast Guard)
- Narco-Sub Intercepted off Guyana with Cocaine (Caribbean Loop News)
- US Coast Guard seizes over US$200million in Narcotics in Caribbean Sea (Caribbean Loop News)
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Related to following destinations: Bartica, Georgetown, Guyana, Parika
Related to the following Cruising Resources: Atlantic Crossing, Atlantic Ocean West, Caribbean Sea, Circumnavigation, Routing
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