U.S. Navy Seizes Nearly 1,300 Pounds of Cocaine in Eastern Pacific

The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard intercepted a suspected drug smuggling vessel in the Eastern Pacific on August 11, seizing 1,296 pounds of cocaine during the operation.

The seizure was carried out by Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 105, which was embarked aboard the USS Sampson, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer.

The destroyer was patrolling in a region recognised as a common drug trafficking corridor when its crew identified a suspicious vessel. Officials said the vessel raised concerns because it carried large amounts of fuel barrels and had packaged cargo stacked in plain sight.

Once authorisation was received, the USS Sampson launched an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 49 along with a rigid-hull inflatable boat to approach the target.

The suspects attempted to flee and began throwing packages overboard. After repeated warning shots failed, the helicopter crew, acting under Coast Guard direction, used disabling fire to stop the vessel without any injuries.

Two boarding teams then conducted a noncompliant boarding. They recovered 12 bales of suspected narcotics, which later tested positive for cocaine. Two people on board were taken into custody.

As the operation continued, worsening sea conditions caused the smuggling vessel to take on water. Officials reported that the vessel was unsafe to tow. To prevent it from becoming a navigational hazard, it was left to sink after the suspects were transferred safely to the USS Sampson.

Reference: US Department of Defense

Source: Maritime Shipping News