US Coast Guard, Navy conduct drug interdiction in Eastern Pacific

The US Coast Guard, in coordination with the US Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson, interdicted two suspected drug smugglers and seized approximately 3,439 pounds (1,560 kg) of cocaine in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean on July 10, the navy confirmed via a July 18 press release.

While on routine patrol, the crew of Sampson detected a "go-fast" vessel approximately 380 miles (610 kilometres) southwest of Acapulco, Mexico. The vessel displayed no indication of nationality and was operating in a known drug trafficking corridor.

The vessel's appearance and behaviour aligned with known maritime smuggling trends, raising further suspicion, according to the navy.

Tactical control of Sampson was transferred from US Third Fleet to Coast Guard Southwest District for interdiction and apprehension authority. When a US Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter launched from Sampson and signaled its presence, the suspects aboard the go-fast began jettisoning packages into the ocean.

After warning shots were ineffective, the helicopter crew employed disabling fire, successfully stopping the vessel.

Sampson launched two boarding teams, which recovered several of the jettisoned packages and took positive control of the suspect vessel. Coast guard law enforcement personnel conducted a boarding and determined the vessel to be without nationality, granting authority for a full law enforcement boarding.

The two suspected drug smugglers were taken into custody, and field tests confirmed the presence of cocaine aboard the go-fast.

Due to the vessel’s lack of tow points, absence of navigation lights, and poor seaworthiness, the coast guard deemed it a hazard to navigation and authorized the sinking of the vessel.

Tactical control of Sampson has since been returned to US Third Fleet for continued operations.