The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Robert Yered brought ashore over 1,380 pounds of cocaine, valued at an estimated $18.1 million, in Miami Beach on Wednesday. The drugs were seized during an operation in the Caribbean Sea involving a joint effort between the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and international partners.
The interdiction involved a U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement team deployed aboard a U.S. Navy ship. During the operation, the suspected smugglers’ vessel began taking on water and capsized.
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The Navy and Coast Guard crew successfully rescued the three individuals and recovered bales of cocaine from the sea.
Commander T.J. Orth of the USS St. Louis praised the teamwork and skill demonstrated during the operation, highlighting the effectiveness of collaboration between the Navy, Coast Guard, and interagency teams.
“I am incredibly proud of the skill and tenacity displayed by our entire team during this interdiction,” said Cmdr. T.J. Orth, commanding officer of USS St. Louis. “This operation was a testament to the capability of our Navy-Coast Guard and interagency teams. The sailors of St. Louis and HSM-50, and Coast Guardsmen of LEDET 105 utilized every resource and capability at their disposal to track and intercept the vessel and then respond to safeguard the lives of the three suspected smugglers.”
The three suspects will face prosecution in federal courts.
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