The US Coast Guard manned a recent deployment in the Pacific Ocean. Typically things are fairly cut a dry for the branch of our country’s service that keeps our borders safe. But this deployment was far from normal.
During their 80-day patrol this US Coast Guard crew seized nearly 12,000 pounds of cocaine. The haul was worth approximately $206 million.
The Coast Guard cutter named Campbell returned to its homeport in Kittery Maine on Friday. It had finished its counter-narcotic patrol in the Caribbean and Easter Pacific. While on patrol, the Campbell intercepted suspected smuggling vessels six times. This is according to a statement released from the Coast Guard.
The Campbell’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Mark McDonnell, said he’s “incredibly proud” of his team. The 29-year-old ship has a crew of 100 service people dedicated to the Coast Guard’s mission.
The Cambell along with another another cutter, Active, seized the drugs off the coasts of Mexico, Central and South America, according the the Coast Guard report. The crew offloaded the massive haul of illegal drugs last week while passing around Florida.
Dismantling Crime Networks
Cmdr. Mark McDonnell said the presence of the Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies is “essential to dismantling the crime networks that threaten the US with their illicit activities.”
Along with the cocaine, the crew also detained 24 suspected smugglers while on the patrol. The Campbell’s crew was assisted by MH-65 Dolphin helicopters. These aircraft came from the Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron unit which is based in Jacksonville, Florida.
The photo below was shared by the Coast Guard. It shows some of the crew members standing around the massive cargo intercepted from the smugglers. 
This is certainly one of the most successful deployments in Coast Guard history. God bless the men and women who risk their lives to keep illegal drugs from hitting our streets.
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