Local

Coast Guard crew seizes record $188 million worth of suspected cocaine

A Coast Guard crew returned from a drug patrol in the eastern Pacific Ocean with more than 12,000 pounds of suspected cocaine, estimated to be worth $188.7 million. This set the record for the most cocaine seized in a single patrol for the crew aboard the ship, Alert.

The Alert crew returned to their home port of Astoria following a 56-day patrol in international waters off the coast of Central America as part of the Joint Interagency Task Force South.

In early July, the Alert intercepted a vessel, apprehending three suspected smugglers and seizing about 4,978 pounds of suspected cocaine.

In mid-July, the crew intercepted two watercraft near each other and apprehended eight suspected smugglers, seizing about 5,284 pounds of suspected cocaine. The crew later seized an additional 2,158 pounds of cocaine after suspects attempted to flee in a separate case.

Over the course of the trip, the Alert suffered 20 significant equipment casualties, including two that were temporarily disabling, but with the help of the engineering department were able to complete the rest of the journey.

“The crew worked incredibly hard during this patrol, overcoming many challenges,” said Cmdr. Tobias Reid, Alert’s commanding officer. “They pulled through the [equipment] casualties and achieved incredible results, a true testament to their professionalism and tenacity. I am very proud and humbled to be their leader.”