The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Alert has offloaded over $76 million of cocaine in San Diego, the Guard announced June 9.
The 5,776 pounds of drugs was intercepted during a counternarcotics patrol in international waters off the Central and South America coasts in May.
The crew of the 210-foot medium endurance cutter partners with various agencies to combat illegal drug operations, including the Departments of Defense, Justice and Homeland Security. Enforcement in the Eastern Pacific Ocean is done under the authority of the Alameda, Calif.-based Eleventh Coast Guard District.
Rear Adm. Andrew Sugimoto, commander of the Coast Guard 11th District, said keeping the drugs from reaching U.S. shores not only saves lives, but reduces violence, corruption and instability.
“Stopping $76 million worth of narcotics from reaching American soil is something we can all be proud of, and I’m truly honored to lead such a fine team,” Alert Cmdr. Commanding Officer Matthew Kolodica said.
