The US Coast Guard has seized a drug haul weighing several tonnes off the coast of the Bahamas. Smugglers had marijuana worth almost $3 million on board.
Last weekend, the crew of the coastguard vessel “Charles Sexton” seized approximately 1,080 kg of suspected cannabis. The seizure took place after a suspicious smuggling vessel was intercepted around 80 sm south-west of Great Inagua (Bahamas). The drugs have an estimated value of $2.8 million. It is not officially known which market they were destined for – although the US coast is the target of numerous smugglers.
In coordination with the Bahamian government and with logistical support from the US Coast Guard’s HSC-Ocean (Homeland Security Cutter) initiative, crew members from the ‘Charles Sexton’ and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) boarded the suspect vessel. There, they discovered 97 bales of suspected cannabis. The three individuals on board, along with the drugs, were handed over to the RBDF for further criminal prosecution.
“This operation underlines the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to combating cross-border organised crime in the region,” said Lt Peter Fager, commander of the “Charles Sexton”. “Through our cooperation, we continue to disrupt illegal smuggling and protect the security and stability of our maritime borders.”
The HSC-Ocean initiative complements the Coast Guard’s existing fleet and enhances its ability to control, secure and defend US borders and maritime access routes. According to the Coast Guard, the aim of the initiative is to ensure “rapid, flexible and effective logistical support for heavily utilised multi-purpose vessels” – such as the fleet of “Fast Response Cutters”. By directly supplying vessels on operational deployment with equipment and personnel, the HSC-Ocean enables Coast Guard units to remain on station for longer and focus on fulfilling their mission.
The Coast Guard works closely with other US agencies, as well as international and regional partners, to detect, deter and prevent illegal smuggling at sea, whilst strengthening maritime security throughout the Caribbean.
