Watch: U.S. Coast Guard Seizes Suspected Smuggling Boat In The Eastern Pacific

The U.S. Coast Guard arrested several people after stopping a suspected smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The operation happened on April 17 during a patrol by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball (WMSL 756).

A video recorded by Petty Officer 3rd Class Austin Wiley shows a small boat from Kimball speeding toward the suspected vessel. As they got closer, Coast Guard officers gave commands in Spanish, asking the suspects to raise their hands and lie face down.

The suspects followed the instructions without resisting.

After securing the area, the Coast Guard crew boarded the boat and took the people into custody. This was Kimball’s fifth drug bust during its current patrol. Officials said it shows how difficult it is to stop illegal activity at sea.

The operation started with aerial surveillance to find the boat. After tracking it, law enforcement officers moved in to stop it. After the arrest, the Coast Guard sank the smuggling boat so it wouldn’t become a hazard to other ships.

Across five recent missions, Kimball’s crew has seized drugs worth about $214 million. The seized drugs were later offloaded in San Diego.

Coast Guard officials said drug trafficking is a serious threat to the U.S. and that their teams are fully committed to stopping illegal drugs from entering the country, using all resources available to them.

Reference: Fox News

Source: Maritime Shipping News