Coast Guard Cutter Based In Newport Seizes 6K Pounds of Coke From Boats Off Colombia: USCG

NEWPORT, RI — A Coast Guard cutter based in Naval Station Newport seized about 6,085 pounds of cocaine worth nearly $45.8 million from three "smuggling vessels," according to a media release.

"Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma’s crew simultaneously interdicted three suspected smuggling vessels carrying approximately 6,085 pounds of cocaine worth nearly $45.8 million, May 8, approximately 90 miles off Cartagena, Colombia," the release said.

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"This seizure represents 2.3 million potentially lethal doses of cocaine that will not reach American streets," according to the release.

The crew of the 270-foot Tahoma launched two small boats and deployed its helicopter to stop the smugglers, per the release.

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"One vessel was non-compliant and required aerial use of force tactics, including precision sniper fire directed at the engines, to compel the vessel to stop resulting in the suspected smugglers on the vessel jumping overboard," the release said.

"The aircrew released multiple personal flotation devices, and the people were rescued with no reported injuries," according to the release. "The other two vessels stopped when directed by Coast Guard crews."

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A total of 8,185 pounds of cocaine worth more than $61.6 million was offloaded at Port Everglades, Florida, Thursday, according to the Coast Guard.

“Interdicting three vessels simultaneously is a testament to the unwavering professionalism, precision, and dedication of our crews,” Cmdr. Nolan Cuevas, the Tahoma’s commanding officer, said in the release.

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“This interdiction prevented a significant number of illegal narcotics from reaching America’s shores, and their teamwork underscores the Coast Guard’s mission to protect our nation and saving lives,” Cuevas said.

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