The US Coast Guard reports the interdiction of a go-fast smuggling vessel in the Caribbean Sea. As noted, US Coast Guard operation transferred custody of two smugglers and offloaded approximately 250 kilograms of cocaine on 22 September 2021. The apprehended smugglers are Dominican nationals charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine aboard a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The cocaine seized has an estimated wholesale value of approximately US$7.5 million.
The interdiction resulted from multi-agency efforts supporting US Southern Command’s enhanced counter-narcotics operations in the Western Hemisphere and coordination with the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force.
During a routine patrol Wednesday, 22 September 2021, a US Maritime Enforcement Aircraft detected a suspect go-fast vessel, approximately 145 nautical miles south of the Dominican Republic. Coast Guard watchstanders in Sector San Juan diverted the cutter Kathleen Moore to carry out the interdiction. With the assistance of the cutter’s small boat, the crew of the Kathleen Moore interdicted the 25-foot vessel that was carrying two men and 10 bales of suspected contraband onboard, which tested positive for cocaine.
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Sea Power Magazine
29 September 2021