The crew of a Coast Guard cutter recently took millions of dollars worth of cocaine out of the drug pipeline while helping to teach students in Oregon and Japan some important facts about the environment.
The Oregon-based Cutter Steadfast intercepted and boarded five suspected drug smuggling vessels, including one go-fast-style panga, while patrolling international waters off the coasts of Mexico and Central America earlier this month, according to a Coast Guard release.
I am inspired daily by the tenacity and professionalism of this cutter's crew,” said Steadfast commanding officer Cmdr. Dan Ursino.
The intercept was made in international waters off Mexico and Central America. Steadfast crew apprehended three suspected drug smugglers and seized 1,252 pounds worth of pure cocaine worth an estimated $21.5 million.
The crew’s resilience to remain focused during the coronavirus pandemic “and uncertainty back home has been nothing short of remarkable,” added Ursino.
The Steadfast also continued its partnership with the Columbia Maritime Museum’s Mini Boat Project during the patrol which resulted in the cocaine seizure. The project connects students in Oregon with students in Japan and teaches them the importance of ocean currents and weather.
During the patrol, the Steadfast launched two boats off the coast of Baja, Mexico. You can follow their journey here.
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Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvetscom.
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