Photo credit: Joint Interagency Task Force South
Cocaine valued at over $170 million seized in Caribbean Sea; separate operation nets another 1,094 kilograms
Two counterdrug operations supported by Joint Interagency Task Force South resulted in the seizure of 4,782 kilograms of cocaine and the detention of eight people in the Caribbean Sea, according to the task force.
In one operation, Colombian authorities seized 3,688 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated illicit market value of more than $170 million and detained five people.
The Colombian Navy and Air Force detected a suspected drug-trafficking speedboat and deployed aircraft and vessels to track and intercept it. Authorities subsequently secured the boat at sea, with the task force providing detection and monitoring support.
In a separate operation, Dominican authorities seized 36 bales containing 1,094 kilograms of cocaine and detained three people following a multinational tracking effort.
The task force said a U.S. Customs and Border Protection maritime patrol aircraft initially detected the suspected trafficking vessel and helped guide responding aircraft to its location.
Colombia, Jamaica and Honduras were notified, and a Colombian interceptor was dispatched while the patrol aircraft maintained surveillance. A U.S. government maritime patrol aircraft provided additional support.
The following day, a Customs and Border Protection aircraft located the vessel again during long-range tracking operations. The Dominican Republic was notified and deployed interceptor vessels and a maritime patrol aircraft.
With aircraft supporting the operation overhead, Dominican authorities intercepted the vessel.
The task force credited sustained surveillance and cooperation among regional partners for the seizures. Its statements did not specify the dates or precise locations of the operations, and no estimated value was provided for the cocaine seized in the Dominican operation.
Source: Antigua News Room Cocaine valued at over $170 million seized in Caribbean Sea; five detained.