The U.S. Coast Guard seized a self-propelled, semi-submersible vessel carrying more than 16,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean south of Mexico.
The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Stratton from Alameda apprehended four suspected smugglers and seized 275 bales of cocaine worth more than $181 million wholesale from the “narco sub.”
A U.S. Navy maritime patrol aircraft detected the 40-foot semi-submersible vessel more than 200-miles south of Mexico.
The seizure took place July 18 and was announced by the Coast Guard this week. It is the largest seizure from a narco sub in Coast Guard history.
“Our success intercepting this drug-laden, self-propelled semi-submersible is a testament to the collaboration of our partner agencies, and demonstrates the importance of our increased presence in the Western Hemisphere,” said Vice Adm. Charles W. Ray. “Every interception of these semi-submersibles disrupts transnational organized crime networks and helps increase security and stability in the Western Hemisphere.”
After removing 12,000 pounds of the narcotics aboard, the crew of Stratton attempted to tow the vessel to shore as evidence. The craft began taking on water and sank.
The Stratton has disrupted 15 different drug smuggling attempts since April, including another self-propelled semi-submersible vessel carrying 5,460 pounds of cocaine June 16.
