U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Seneca’s crew offloaded approximately 17,750 pounds of cocaine worth more than $133.5 million in Port Everglades February 13.
The seized contraband was the result of four interdictions in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
On Jan. 25, Seneca’s crew detected a go-fast vessel, and the embarked Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron air crew employed airborne use of force tactics. Seneca’s boarding team interdicted and boarded the vessel, seizing 4,410 pounds of cocaine.
On Jan. 31, Seneca’s crew detected three go-fast vessels, and the embarked HITRON air crew employed airborne use of force tactics. Senaca’s boarding team interdicted and boarded all three vessels, seizing 13,340 pounds of cocaine.
“I am extremely proud of the crew’s incredible performance and adaptability during this deployment,” said Capt. Lee Jones, commanding officer, Coast Guard Cutter Seneca. “This deployment demonstrates our enhanced posture and continued success in the fight against narco-terrorism and transnational criminal organizations. The Coast Guard, in conjunction with our inter-agency and international partners, continues to patrol areas commonly associated with drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific, denying smugglers access to maritime routes by which they move illicit drugs to our U.S. land and sea borders.”