WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The destroyer’s crew also discovered a solar-powered GPS tracking buoy attached to the bales of narcotics, which were then turned over to the US Coast Guard, the statement added.
"While conducting a routine patrol in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility, a Sikorsky MH-60R multi-mission helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 37, embarked in Chafee, sighted a small boat with three passengers and two outboard engines," the statement said.
As the helicopter approached, the passengers jettisoned 37 bales of an unknown substance which a boat from the destroyer then recovered. They were then confirmed to be cocaine, the Naval News Service said.