A US Coast Guard cutter has intercepted a cocaine-smuggling semi-submersible in international waters following a multi-day interagency operation.
The intercept took place on November 13, according to the US Customs and Border Protection agency whose air and marine operations (AMO) crew pursued the vessel aboard a P-3 Long Range Tracker aircraft.
The AMO crew maintained surveillance and coordinated an intercept Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) South with participation of assets from the US Coast Guard and the US Navy.
On November 13, a US Coast Guard cutter intercepted the vessel, arrested the crew, and recovered over 3,800 pounds of cocaine. All three suspects will face charges in the US.
“The drug cartels are relentless and extremely innovative,” said National Air Security Operations Center – Corpus Christi Director Allen Durham. “Interdicting self-propelled semi-submersible vessels requires expertise and the right aircraft. Air and Marine Operations will continue to beat the cartels at their own game to protect our border.”