The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Resolute has completed a 38-day deployment in the Caribbean Sea, having seized a gargantuan haul of illicit drugs valued at $115 million. According to FOX 13 News, the crew offloaded approximately 9,690 pounds of cocaine and 5,490 pounds of marijuana upon returning to their homeport of St. Petersburg.
Working in collaboration with the Joint Interagency Task Force South, the Resolute's crew managed to both capture and successfully transfer five suspected smugglers—who are now slated to face federal prosecution. The Coast Guard's actions aimed to disrupt trafficking organizations' operations that historically attempt to transport harmful drugs into the United States. "Time and time again, the crew demonstrated their professionalism, cohesion, and excellence in mission execution. I am so incredibly proud of their efforts and their ability to achieve success in conditions where success is never guaranteed," said Commander Ian Starr in a statement obtained by gCaptain. He continued to commend their persistent efforts under unpredictable and challenging conditions.
The law enforcement mission was also complimented by their humanitarian efforts, as the crew of the Resolute was involved in rescuing more than 180 Haitian migrants from an overloaded vessel off Haiti's coast. As reported by WFLA, the migrants were provided with shelter and care by the Coast Guard crew before being safely transferred.
