29,000 Pounds of Cocaine Worth $335 Million Offloaded by US Coast Guard in California
Over 29,000 pounds of cocaine worth $335.8M won’t hit the streets, thanks to a daring Coast Guard operation in the Eastern Pacific. 🌐 #News #SanDiegoCA #California #Crime
SAN DIEGO, CA – The U.S. Coast Guard made waves this week, offloading more than 29,000 pounds of seized cocaine in San Diego. The massive haul, estimated to be worth $335.8 million, was the result of extensive operations in the Eastern Pacific.
The drugs, confiscated over a series of 11 interdictions between September and October, were delivered by the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Munro. The seizures targeted suspected drug-smuggling vessels off the coasts of Mexico, Central America, and South America.
A Multi-Agency Operation with Global Impact
The operation wasn’t accomplished alone. The Coast Guard worked alongside the U.S. Navy, Customs and Border Protection, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and international partners. This collaboration highlights the essential role of teamwork in countering the global narcotics trade.
“Our partnerships and our collective abilities are vital to the security and prosperity of the hemisphere,” said Rear Adm. Joseph Buzzella, commander of Coast Guard District Eleven.
“The Eastern Pacific is a challenging environment — both operationally and logistically. The transit zone is a vast area of ocean to cover, far from home. Despite the challenges, the success of the Munro’s crew highlights the importance of what we do on the high seas.”
Dedication and Perseverance at Sea
The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Munro played a central role in these operations. Over the course of the 11 interdictions, they demonstrated relentless dedication and teamwork, qualities praised by their commanding officer, Capt. James O’Mara.
“I would put this crew on any mission, anywhere, at any time. 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,” O’Mara stated.
“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,” he added.
Challenges in the Fight Against Smuggling
Operations like this highlight the difficulties in patrolling the vast expanses of the Eastern Pacific, a region often used as a transit zone for smuggling operations. The area’s size and remoteness create significant logistical challenges for law enforcement agencies.
Nevertheless, the Coast Guard and its partners continue to prove their effectiveness in the fight against international drug trafficking. Each successful interdiction brings them closer to their goal of curbing the illegal narcotics trade and protecting communities worldwide.
The success of this operation reflects the hard work, coordination of numerous agencies, and the dedication of the Munro crew. By intercepting these shipments, the Coast Guard and its partners are making a tangible impact on global security and the fight against drug smuggling.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | California
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
We value your feedback! Did you find this article informative, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you!
