$18.5 Million Worth of Cocaine and Marijuana Seized in Caribbean by U.S. Coast Guard

The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Vigilant has returned home to Cape Canaveral, Florida, after a successful 54-day patrol in the Caribbean Sea, during which they seized more than 1,510 pounds of cocaine and 1,470 pounds of marijuana, with a combined street value of approximately $18.5 million.

During the operation, Coast Guard personnel, working in collaboration with international and interagency partners, intercepted illicit drug shipments in two separate interdictions. In total, 15 suspected smugglers were apprehended and are now facing prosecution in federal courts by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The Vigilant’s crew was also instrumental in humanitarian efforts, rescuing or assisting over 40 people in the Caribbean, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which caused significant disruptions in the region. The crew’s quick action in both law enforcement and rescue operations highlights the versatility of the Vigilant as a vital asset for the Coast Guard.

“This was another exceptional patrol highlighting the versatility of our cutter and crew conducting search and rescue, migrant interdiction, and counter-narcotic operations,” said Commander Jon Potterton, the commanding officer of the Vigilant. “We are proud to work seamlessly with partner nations, partner agencies, and other Coast Guard assets to keep drugs off the streets and rescue people in distress during a very busy hurricane season.”

The Coast Guard also emphasized the importance of international cooperation in counter-narcotic efforts, noting that these operations are part of a larger, ongoing effort to dismantle transnational drug trafficking organizations and prevent the flow of illegal substances into the U.S.