CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — A Coast Guard crew offloaded more than 1,500 pounds of cocaine and 1,400 pounds of marijuana valued at $18.5 million after a patrol of the Caribbean Sea.
During the 54-day patrol, crews worked with interagency and international partners to seize the illegal drugs. The Coast Guard worked with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and a Royal Netherlands Navy ship.
“This was another exceptional patrol highlighting the versatility of our cutter and crew conducting search and rescue, migrant interdiction, and counter-narcotic operations,” said 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.”
Fifteen smugglers were also arrested and will face prosecution in federal court.
