The US Coast Guard has intercepted a suspected drug-smuggling vessel off the coast of Puerto Rico. Over 3 tonnes of cocaine were found on board. The vessel was destroyed.
The operation involving the patrol vessel “Richard Dixon” took place approximately 50 nautical miles south of the island, which is part of the external territory of the USA. According to the Coast Guard, the vessel was carrying 3,290 kg of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $54.5 million.
“This operation demonstrates what operationally ready crews and strong inter-agency partnerships in the maritime domain can achieve,” said Admiral Adam Chamie, Commander of the Coast Guard’s Southeast District. “The crew of the ‘Richard Dixon’, Air Station Miami and our partners from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations division have intercepted more than 7,000 pounds of cocaine before it could reach our communities. We will resolutely continue the fight against the criminal networks that threaten our region.”
The five people on board the vessel were taken into custody; further investigations are ongoing. The vessel was destroyed as, according to the Coast Guard, it posed a danger to shipping.
“Thanks to seamless coordination with Coast Guard and CBP aircraft, this was an outstanding team effort: the cutter ‘Richard Dixon’ was in the right place at the right time to stop a major shipment,” said Lt. Cmdr. Michael D. Torgesen, commander of the patrol vessel. “I am always deeply impressed by the dedication of my crew and proud to serve alongside them as we deal a direct blow to transnational smuggling activities and protect the nation’s maritime borders in the Caribbean.”
The US Coast Guard is the lead federal agency in the United States responsible for combating drug smuggling at sea. The latest operation continues a long series: Last August, the Coast Guard seized a total of 34 tonnes as part of “Operation Pacific Viper”; this June, the total amount had risen to 112 tonnes, according to the news website Diálogo Américas. Such operations have increased significantly under the Trump administration.
