Two Alameda-based Coast Guard crews seized more than 9,000 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $156 million.
The drugs were discovered on three suspected drug smuggling vessels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean between January 26 and February 1. U.S. Coast Guard officials told KPIX-5 the Coast Guard Cutters Munro and Bertholf were involved in the operations.
Last month, the crew aboard the Munro seized 1,300 pounds of cocaine from a fishing vessel suspected of smuggling illicit narcotics. Then, just hours later, a Munro helicopter aircrew overtook a low-profile vessel, finding another 3,439 pounds of cocaine.
"Having back-to-back cases lasting 31 hours pushed our limits, but our crew took on the challenge," Munro Capt. Blake Novak told the station.
The Bertholf’s crew boarded a low-profile vessel February 1, seizing more than 4,380 pounds of cocaine in that bust. These low-profile vessels are designed specifically to evade law enforcement by being difficult to detect.
The vessels ferry large quantities of illicit contraband and ride low in the water.
Nine suspected traffickers were taken into custody as part of the operations.
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