US Coast Guard cutter Tampa returns home following 55-day counter-drug patrol; US$96M of narcotics intercepted

The US Coast Guard cutter Tampa returned to its homeport in Portsmouth, Virginia, on Saturday, July 25, after a 55-day counter-drug patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

Tampa‘s crew interdicted over 2,300 kilograms of cocaine, of which some 880 kilograms was successfully recovered, and 1,600 kilograms of marijuana worth a total of US$96 million.

The crew also detained eight suspected drug smugglers who were transferred to US Department of Justice officials in Port Everglades, Florida, for prosecution.

Tampa‘s crew executed the counter-narcotics mission in the Eastern Pacific, interdicting two low profile vessels as well as contraband jettisoned by a third vessel.

Prior to entering the primary patrol area, the crew conducted a joint operation with the Honduran Navy as part of Operation Dominion. The operation involved exercising communications with the Honduras Joint Information Operations Center, operations with a Honduran patrol boat, and providing a law enforcement presence in Honduran territorial seas.

The law enforcement phase of counter-smuggling operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean is conducted under the authority of the 11th Coast Guard District, headquartered in Alameda. The interdictions, including the actual boardings, are led and conducted by members of the US Coast Guard.

See all the other news, reviews and features of this month’s Maritime Security Week right here.