Navy-Coast Guard collaboration on drug interdiction efforts discussed in Senate hearing

Noting that only an estimated 25 percent of drug shipments coming into the United States by sea are intercepted, U.S. Sen. Angus King (I-ME) called on the Navy and Coast Guard to better coordinate interdiction efforts during a U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Thursday.

King recently took part in a congressional delegation with the Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF)-South to Florida that explored issues surrounding drug trafficking. Members took part in classified briefings, demonstrations, and meetings with law enforcement agencies during the trip.

“We are only able to interdict 25 percent of drug shipments by sea — that we know of,” King said. “In other words, we have intelligence to tell us there are 100 units out there, we can only stop 25 of them. The problem is assets, particularly in the Coast Guard. My request is simply that you think creatively, cooperatively, with the Coast Guard, to see if there’s a way to improve that miserable record.”

King said he understands the limitations of interdiction efforts. He also noted, however, that four people in America had likely died from drug overdoses during the hour-long hearing, adding “we’re under attack, and this is a place where we should be able to shore up our defenses.”

U.S. Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer said the Navy has been working in recent months to “see what we can put down there in terms of resources.” But he also acknowledged challenges going forward.

“It’s not a quick and easy fix in that (the Navy and Coast Guard) have differences between our titled responsibilities,” Spencer said. “We will have to cooperate, and will gladly cooperate, with not only the Coast Guard but the Department of Homeland Security.”