US Coast Guard offloads US$4.5 million in seized cocaine in Caribbean

On Friday, the US Coast Guard announced that the British Royal Navy HMS Trent had successfully intercepted a go-fast vessel in the Caribbean Sea, off the southwest coast of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, on March 3.

The operation resulted in the seizure of contraband and the apprehension of two smugglers from the Dominican Republic.

This interdiction was made possible through the collaborative efforts of various agencies, in line with the Coast Guard’s Western Hemisphere Strategy and Operation Unified Resolve.

Commander Gerard Wenk, Chief of Response at Coast Guard Sector San Juan, expressed gratitude for the cooperation and assistance provided by the British Royal Navy in combating drug smuggling activities in international waters.

He emphasized the importance of the ongoing partnership between federal, local, and regional entities in safeguarding the Caribbean region from this pervasive threat.

Denise Foster, Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Caribbean Division, highlighted the significant risks posed by drug smuggling organizations to the safety and well-being of citizens.

She stressed the critical role played by maritime surveillance assets in achieving mission success.

Foster reaffirmed the commitment to collaborate with counterparts and allocate law enforcement resources to effectively combat drug trafficking in vulnerable areas.

The US Coast Guard underscored that its efforts under Operation Unified Resolve contribute to the daily achievements of Operation Caribbean Guard.

This coordinated initiative involves the US Coast Guard, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and law enforcement partners from Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

Together, they diligently work to deter, detect, and disrupt illicit maritime trafficking to these regions.