The U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and other federal agency partners conducted a joint boarding operation on May 21 that resulted in the seizure of 500 pounds of cocaine, worth approximately $6.4 million.
Officers boarded a crude oil tanker in the Port of Los Angeles and were alerted by a Coast Guard narcotics detection canine of the suspected contraband. One person was arrested, and two were taken into custody.
“This operation highlights Homeland Security Investigations’ unwavering commitment to combating transnational crime and safeguarding the United States from illicit narcotics,” Eddy Wang, HSI Los Angeles special agent in charge, said. “HSI’s swift response and investigative expertise were instrumental in identifying and seizing over 226 kilograms of cocaine destined for our communities. We remain dedicated to pursuing those who attempt to exploit our ports and transportation systems, and to working with our partners to disrupt criminal organizations that threaten public safety.”
“Through stellar coordination, we effectively detained the suspect and removed the contraband from the vessel to protect the maritime transportation system and facilitate commerce as quickly as possible, ” Captain Stacey Crecy, Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach sector commander, said.
Last year, the Coast Guard seized more than 511,000 pounds of cocaine as part of Operation Pacific Viper, a counter-narcotics operation in the Eastern Pacific.