- The coast guard used two ships, the Waesche and Active, to seize the drugs
The Coast Guard has intercepted more than 18,000 pounds of cocaine worth $239 million in just one month in six separate drug seizures, the largest of which came from a narco-submarine.
The drugs were offloaded this week in San Diego after being seized by two Coast Guard vessels in November during operations off the coasts of Mexico, Central America and South America.
The largest drug seizure came from a narco-submarine. The cocaine weighed more than 5,500 pounds and was seized by the Coast Guard ship Waesche on Nov. 20, according to a USCG statement.
“Our latest semi-submersible ban was notable because it was the first semi-submersible ban in the eastern Pacific in more than three years,” said Capt. Robert Mohr, the Waesche's commander.
'I am extremely impressed by the crew's dedication during this dynamic patrol. They have overcome multiple challenges with collective hard work, ingenuity and a positive attitude to keep us in pursuit of these cartels and their dangerous drugs.
The drugs were offloaded this week in San Diego after being seized by two Coast Guard vessels (one of which is pictured above, the ship Waesche) in November during operations off the coasts of Mexico, Central America and South America.
The largest drug seizure came from a narco-submarine. The cocaine weighed more than 5,500 pounds and was seized by the Coast Guard vessel Waesche (pictured above) on November 20, according to a statement from the USCG.
“A successful patrol like this is rewarding and leads to better retention and recruitment efforts because everyone has a sense of accomplishment.”
The Waesche is a 130-meter national security cutter, a ship used to support domestic security off the coast.
The second Coast Guard vessel responsible for the cocaine seizures is called Active, which is primarily used for law enforcement and search and rescue missions. In two of the six operations, the Active brought home £4,000 of drugs.
According to official data, a total of more than 40 tons of cocaine was seized by the Coast Guard this year, making it the third most seized drug after marijuana and meth.
The ship is one of eight ships in its class operated by the Coast Guard and is homeported in Alameda, California.
“I am proud of the unity of effort of the U.S. Coast Guard members aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche and our partners who prevented these narcotics from entering our country through the maritime domain,” said Rear Adm. Andrew Tiongson ( photo above). commander of the US Coast Guard in the Pacific
“I am proud of the unity of effort of the U.S. Coast Guard members aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche and our partners who prevented these narcotics from entering our country through the maritime domain,” said Rear Adm. Andrew Tiongson, commander of the American coast. Guard the Pacific area.
Attorney for the Southern District of California Tara McGrath also thanked the Coast Guard.
She said: 'The importance of preventing so much cocaine from reaching our shores and streets is undoubtedly life-changing.
“Without these 9 tons of cocaine on America's streets, fewer people will have access to this toxic poison, and hundreds of millions of dollars will not end up in cartel coffers.
“The crew of the Waesche and the entire U.S. Coast Guard are to be commended for protecting our nation from the destruction, violence and addiction that cocaine brings to our communities.”