(Trends Wide) — The US Coast Guard seized more than 6.4 tons of cocaine with an estimated value of more than $186 million, according to a news release.
Authorities said the drugs were intercepted during nine separate operations in international waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Twelve suspected smugglers were also detained and are facing prosecution, according to the statement.
Bales of illegal narcotics, with an estimated value of $186 million, are unloaded off US Coast Gurd Cutter Bear (WMEC 901) in Miami, Florida, June 16, 2023.
“The contraband seized today represents the professional expertise and dedication of US law enforcement and defense agencies working together to combat the flow of illicit drugs through the Caribbean region into the United States,” he said. Lt. Peter Hutchison, a duty officer with Coast Guard District Seven. “This teamwork is essential to the identification, interception and seizure of smuggling vessels and a testament to the hard work of these crews.”
Globally, both cocaine production and demand have increased dramatically in the past two years, according to a United Nations report published in March. Interceptions by law enforcement around the world have also increased, with a record nearly 2,000 tons of cocaine seized in 2021, according to the report.
Trends Wide’s Isabel Rosales and Kelly Murray also contributed to this report.
Related Post
(Trends Wide) — The US Coast Guard seized more than 6.4 tons of cocaine with an estimated value of more than $186 million, according to a news release.
Authorities said the drugs were intercepted during nine separate operations in international waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Twelve suspected smugglers were also detained and are facing prosecution, according to the statement.
Bales of illegal narcotics, with an estimated value of $186 million, are unloaded off US Coast Gurd Cutter Bear (WMEC 901) in Miami, Florida, June 16, 2023.
“The contraband seized today represents the professional expertise and dedication of US law enforcement and defense agencies working together to combat the flow of illicit drugs through the Caribbean region into the United States,” he said. Lt. Peter Hutchison, a duty officer with Coast Guard District Seven. “This teamwork is essential to the identification, interception and seizure of smuggling vessels and a testament to the hard work of these crews.”
Globally, both cocaine production and demand have increased dramatically in the past two years, according to a United Nations report published in March. Interceptions by law enforcement around the world have also increased, with a record nearly 2,000 tons of cocaine seized in 2021, according to the report.
Trends Wide’s Isabel Rosales and Kelly Murray also contributed to this report.
