The U.S. Coast Guard has recovered 47 bales of suspected marijuana, weighing approximately 2,082 pounds and valued at over $2.4 million, after intercepting a suspicious go-fast vessel. The operation, conducted during a routine patrol, involved the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba.
Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S) reported that the vessel stopped without further incident, and four individuals were detained in connection with the operation. During follow-on actions, Coast Guard crews discovered a "bale field" along the vessel's prior route, leading to the recovery of the suspected marijuana.
JIATF-S credited the success to the vigilance, professionalism, and coordination of the involved units, including the Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba and Joint Rescue Coordination Center Haiti. The specific location of the incident was not disclosed.
This interdiction aligns with broader U.S. efforts to combat drug trafficking networks in the Western Hemisphere. U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) highlighted the bust as a demonstration of the United States' commitment to preventing the flow of illicit drugs. SOUTHCOM also noted recent operations in the Eastern Pacific where U.S. forces intercepted and sank vessels allegedly tied to Los Choneros, described as a violent narco-terrorist organization.
The seizure follows another significant drug bust last month off the coast of Puerto Rico, where the Coast Guard intercepted a suspected smuggling boat and recovered over 7,000 pounds of cocaine valued at approximately $54.5 million, leading to the detention of five individuals.