US Coast Guard has successfully seized a significant amount of cocaine in the Atlantic and Caribbean regions, with an estimated value of $186 million.
According to authorities, the seizure of the drugs took place in nine distinct incidents that occurred in international waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
The release also stated that twelve individuals suspected of being involved in the smuggling operations were apprehended and will be prosecuted.
Lt. Peter Hutchison, the duty enforcement officer at Coast Guard District Seven, expressed in the release that the seizure of the contraband is a result of the collaborative efforts and commitment of U.S. defense and law enforcement agencies.
He emphasized the importance of teamwork in identifying, intercepting, and seizing vessels involved in illicit drug trafficking.
Hutchison praised the crews for their hard work and dedication in combating the flow of drugs through the Caribbean Region into the United States.
According to a United Nations report released in March, there has been a significant increase in both cocaine production and demand worldwide over the past two years. The report highlights that law enforcement agencies across the globe have also seen a rise in interceptions, with a record-breaking seizure of nearly 2,000 tons of cocaine in 2021. These statistics indicate the escalating challenge posed by the global cocaine trade and the efforts being made to combat it.