Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma returned to its homeport on Friday after completing a 49-day operation in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, where it conducted a series of drug interdiction efforts.
The crew’s operations centered on strategically intercepting and boarding suspected smuggling ships. In total, the crew seized four open-hulled outboard powered panga-style fishing vessels that were illegally transporting contraband. Additionally, the operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 3,130 kilograms of cocaine, worth approximately $90 million in street value.
“I’m tremendously pleased with the professionalism, dedication and success of Tahoma’s crew and her assigned armed helicopter detachment,” said Commanding Officer Tim Brown.
“They responded expertly to any reported suspect vessels at all hours of the day and night. They also overcame many difficulties like being away from home over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays and patrolling for weeks on end without a break. This crew responded with aplomb, helping protect our nation from the violence, death and destruction caused by the trafficking of cocaine to our communities,” Brown added.
In its interdiction efforts, the Tahoma worked in conjunction with an armed helicopter detachment from Jacksonville, Florida’s Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON). Tahoma also worked alongside U.S. partner agencies in various seizure efforts.
The Coast Guard said the vessel and its 90-person crew traveled approximately 11,500 nautical miles throughout its 49-day operation.