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Video: US Coast Guard Vessel Offloads Nearly $95 Million of Cocaine in Miami, Florida

© USCGCoast Guard Cutter Tampa's crew offloaded approximately 5,500 pounds of cocaine, worth an estimated $94.6 million, in Miami, Tuesday, after interdicting a low profile vessel off the coast of Punta Gallinas, Colombia.
Coast Guard Cutter Tampa's crew offloaded approximately 5,500 pounds of cocaine, worth an estimated $94.6 million, in Miami, Tuesday, after interdicting a low profile vessel off the coast of Punta Gallinas, Colombia.  - Sputnik International, 1920, 22.04.2021
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In a separate bust, the aircrew of US Coast Guard (USCG) MH-60T Jayhawk intercepted a vessel transporting almost 1,052 pounds (477 kilograms) of cocaine near Puerto Rico. The seized haul, valued around $20 million, was offloaded at USCG Sector San Juan by Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon.

The USCG revealed on Tuesday that the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Tampa successfully offloaded some 5,500 pounds (2,495 kilograms) of cocaine in Miami, Florida, following an interception well over a week ago. 

Agents conducting a maritime patrol flight reportedly spotted a "low profile vessel" near the coast of Punta Gallinas, Colombia, on April 9 and alerted a fellow law enforcement team of the vessel. 

Video of the interdiction was also released by the service. 

Soon after, the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Tampa discovered 87 bales of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $94.6 million. 

Three suspects were detained and their "vessel was destroyed as a hazard to navigation."

© USCG/Chief Petty Officer Charly HengeCoast Guard Cutter Tampa's crew offloaded approximately 5,500 pounds of cocaine, worth an estimated $94.6 million at Base Miami Beach, Miami, Florida, April 20, 2021. The interdiction was the result of multi-agency efforts in support of U.S. Southern Command's enhanced counter-narcotics operations in the Western Hemisphere, the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) programs, and the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force (CCSF).
Video: US Coast Guard Vessel Offloads Nearly $95 Million of Cocaine in Miami, Florida  - Sputnik International, 1920, 22.04.2021
Coast Guard Cutter Tampa's crew offloaded approximately 5,500 pounds of cocaine, worth an estimated $94.6 million at Base Miami Beach, Miami, Florida, April 20, 2021. The interdiction was the result of multi-agency efforts in support of U.S. Southern Command's enhanced counter-narcotics operations in the Western Hemisphere, the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) programs, and the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force (CCSF).

"This event is the perfect example of numerous key partners unifying our efforts to counter transnational criminal organizations who look to exploit the maritime environment," said Lt. Cmdr. Jason Neiman, public affairs officer for the USCG's Seventh District. 

The release highlights that suspects taken into custody are provided, shelter, food, water and "basic medical attention." Furthermore, USCG crew members reportedly donned personal protective equipment to minimize risk of COVID-19 exposure. 

"The suspects are reported to be in good health," USCG claimed. 

The same cannot be said for the cocaine trafficking suspects apprehended some 45 miles north of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, on April 17, as "one of the suspected smugglers was injured and needed to be medevaced," according to a news release on the haul. 

All three of the suspected smugglers were from the Dominican Republic and may face drug trafficking charges via the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico.

A total of 18 bales of cocaine were offloaded. The USCG estimates the street value of the haul to be around $20 million. 

© USCGThe Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon crew offloaded nearly $20 million in seized cocaine at Coast Guard Base San Juan Tuesday, following the interdiction of a suspected drug smuggling vessel, approximately 45 nautical miles north of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
Video: US Coast Guard Vessel Offloads Nearly $95 Million of Cocaine in Miami, Florida  - Sputnik International, 1920, 22.04.2021
The Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon crew offloaded nearly $20 million in seized cocaine at Coast Guard Base San Juan Tuesday, following the interdiction of a suspected drug smuggling vessel, approximately 45 nautical miles north of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

"Stopping illegal drug trafficking vessels like the one interdicted Saturday is inherently dangerous and involves a high level of skill and risk," said Capt. Gregory H. Magee, commander of USCG Sector San Juan. 

AJ Collazo, a special agent with the US Drug Enforcement Administration, noted "more seizures like this one can be expected" as US federal law enforcement agencies continue to investigate alleged transnational criminal operations out of South American, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.  

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