USCG Cutter Seneca offloads more than 12,000 pounds of cocaine in Miami

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Seneca (WMEC-906) crew offloaded more than 12,000 pounds of cocaine Friday at Coast Guard Sector Miami, the USCG said in its news release.

The drugs were interdicted in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean off the coasts of Mexico, Central and South America, including contraband seized and recovered in more than five interdictions of suspected drug smuggling vessels by U.S. Coast Guard cutters:

The cutter Seneca was responsible for two cases, seizing approximately 2,800 pounds of cocaine.
The Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma (WMEC-908) was responsible for three interdictions seizing approximately 2,500 pounds of cocaine.
The Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL-757) was responsible for two cases, seizing approximately 5,700 pounds of cocaine.
The Coast Guard Cutter Valiant (WMEC-621) was responsible for one case, seizing approximately 1,000 pounds of cocaine.
“These down range counter-drug operations are a vital component to the Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security’s mission and our national security. These operations enable us to extend our maritime borders, weaken the economic engine of Transnational Criminal Organizations, contribute to enhancing stability and security across our partner nations within Central America, and they combat the drug epidemic within our local communities,” said Cmdr. John Christensen, commanding officer of the cutter Seneca. “I am exceptionally proud of this crew. Over the course of the last three months they rose above the challenges of conducting operations at sea, persevered through many personal sacrifices and showed an unwavering dedication to serving our nation.”