Drug Smuggling Bust at Sea: US Coast Guard in Action

by Jose Campos

These seaborne first responders knew what they were looking for, and how to proceed. The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball pulled up alongside the suspected drug smuggling vessel, seized its contraband, and took suspects into custody. And the suspects’ boat met a swift end after being declared a hazard to navigation.

The interdiction on March 23 was part of a broader Coast Guard strategy to increase patrols in key maritime corridors. Working in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense teammates, the service aims to detect, deter, and interdict illegal migration, drug smuggling, and other terrorist or hostile activity before it reaches the United States. 

Part of the effort is directed at curbing the trafficking of cocaine, fentanyl, and other illegal drugs into the United States.

The Coast Guard has had a busy season with interdiction. In one instance in February, the Cutter Waesche seized around 1,570 kgs of cocaine and apprehended three suspected drug smugglers. In March, the Cutter Forward seized bales of cocaine while patrolling the Eastern Pacific. Also that month, the Kimball transferred 12 suspected drug smugglers to authorities in Guatemala.

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The March 23 incident unfolded at what the Coast Guard describes as an “Undisclosed Location” in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

Once the suspected vessel was spotted, the Kimball crew interdicted the boat, and brought the suspects on board the cutter. While there, the suspects were searched by specialists from the Tactical Law Enforcement Team South (TACLET) maritime enforcement unit. The suspects were processed to be turned over to authorities.

And what of the smuggling vessel?

It was determined to be a hazard to navigation and subsequently was sunk. A crewmember aboard the Kimball used a .50 caliber machine gun to fire on the craft, ensuring that it did not pose a risk to passing vessels.

The Kimball is equipped with four .50 caliber machine guns, a 20 mm Phalanx Close-In Weapon System, and a Bofors 57 mm deck gun. The vessel is one of two Legend-class national security cutters homeported in Honolulu.

Jose Campos covers security for Soldier of Fortune.