USS Kauffman, USCG Seize USD 25 Mln Worth of Drugs

In two separate operations conducted in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, the US Navy’s guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59), along with the U.S. Coast Guard, intercepted a large quantity of drugs and detained suspected narcotic-smugglers.

The team seized 582 kilograms of cocaine, estimated to be worth approximately $11.6 million. Three suspected smugglers were detained in this operation.

After spotting the suspected smuggling vessel during a routine patrol, Kauffman’s embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment boarded the vessel and seized the illicit cargo. After which they took custody of the three crew members and recovered the illicit cargo, some of which was jettisoned overboard before the team boarded the vessel.

In the second operation, conducted on June 21, the USS Kauffman (FFG 59), and USCG personnel, intercepted 598 kg of cocaine, worth an estimated $14.7 million, and detained three members of a suspected narcotic-trafficking vessel.

Kauffman’s embarked SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter, from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light Squadron (HSL) 60, spotted the suspected smuggling vessel and Kauffman’s embarked USCG LEDET boarded the vessel, they discovered several bales of illicit cargo, which they identified as cocaine. Three crew members from the vessel were then taken into custody, along with the illicit cargo, and brought back to Kauffman.

The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman is currently deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Martillo.

Image: US Navy