The US Coast Guard unloaded nearly 34,000 pounds of confiscated cocaine in San Diego worth an estimated $468 million.
The drugs were seized by the Coast Guard Cutter Munro during 8 interdictions off the coasts of Mexico and Central/South America in February-March.
This is the largest such seizure since the Coast Guard interdicted over 33,000 pounds of cocaine and 12,400 pounds of marijuana in October from 13 cases in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean.
The Munro’s captain praised their crew’s dedication and hard work in the lengthy seizures.
“The crew put in an incredible amount of work over very long hours, and I couldn’t be prouder of them,” Coast Guard Cutter Monro Captain Rula Deisher said. “Their dedication and grit goes to show that Munro is one of the best national security cutters in the fleet, and we are committed to keeping the country safe by stopping illegal drugs before they hit the street.”
The vice commander of the Coast Guard Atlantic Area said the offload represents the success of coordinated national security efforts between various US agencies and international partners to stop maritime drug smuggling into the country.
“This offload is about national security,” said Vice Adm. Kevin Lunday. “It represents one part of a very large and strong interagency team that works closely with our allies and international partners to interdict maritime smuggling of dangerous and illegal drugs into the United States.”
