The crew of a Coast Guard cutter recently offloaded in San Diego more than 29,000 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated value of $335.8 million, following 11 suspected drug smuggling vessel interdictions or events in September and October off the coasts of Mexico, Central America, and South America.
“I would put this crew on any mission, anywhere, at any time,” Capt. James O’Mara, Coast Guard Cutter Munro commanding officer, said. “They executed everything asked of them with incredible teamwork and persistence, and we are proud of the results. Hats off to all our international and interagency partners – we absolutely cannot do this mission without them. For our families and loved ones back home: your support keeps us going out there. It takes everyone’s head in the game to make these interdictions happen, and we are grateful you have our backs on the home front as we patrol the high seas and do our part to prevent dangerous narcotics from hitting cities around the globe.”
The Coast Guard is one of multiple U.S. agencies collaborating to combat transnational organized crime. Allied and international partner agencies also collaborate in counter-narcotic operations.
Alameda, Calif.,-based Coast Guard District Eleven is tasked with the law enforcement phase of counter-smuggling operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.