US Coast Guard seizes over 1,500 kilograms of marijuana from smuggling vessel off Central American coast

The Legend-class cutter USCGC James (Photo: US Coast Guard/Seaman Ryan Estrada)

The US Coast Guard has seized approximately 1,520 kilograms of marijuana with an estimated value of approximately US$6 million from a go-fast vessel in international waters of the Pacific Ocean off Central America, the service said in a statement on Friday, May 29.

A maritime patrol aircraft spotted a suspected smuggling vessel and diverted the crew aboard the Legend-class cutter James to the go-fast vessel’s position.

Once on scene, James‘ crew initiated a pursuit of the suspected smugglers, who attempted to evade while throwing contraband overboard.

The cutter’s Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew disabled the go-fast’s engines to enable a coast guard small boat crew to board the suspect vessel.

The boarding team discovered four suspected smugglers and marijuana hidden aboard.


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