Coasties intercept 'narco’ sub carrying $165M in cocaine

MIAMI — The U.S. Coast Guard says a cutter patrolling eastern parts of the Pacific Ocean seized a “narco” submarine carrying cocaine worth a street value of more than $165 million.

In a Tuesday news release, the agency says the crew captured the self-propelled semi-submersible in international waters earlier this month and apprehended four suspected drug smugglers.

The semi-submersible was detected and monitored by maritime patrol aircraft and the Coast Guard cutter’s crew was diverted by the Joint Interagency Task Force South to seize it.

RELATED

VP Pence lauds Coast Guard crew for massive cocaine haul

The Coast Guard cutter Murno returned this week from a three-month drug interdiction deployment in the Eastern Pacific.

By Geoff Ziezulewicz

They offloaded about 1,100 pounds (500 kilograms) of cocaine but the rest couldn’t be safely removed due to concerns about the vessel’s stability.

A total of about 12,000 pounds (5,400 kilograms) was eventually seized.

Cmdr. Matthew Waldron says in a 24-hour period the cutter crossed the equator and intercepted the sub.

More In Your Navy

US, South Korea open to expanded military drills to deter North

U.S. President Joe Biden said cooperation between the U.S. and South Korea shows “our readiness to take on all threats together.”

Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group deploys from Yokosuka

During its last deployment, which concluded in October, the Reagan not only operated in U.S. 7th Fleet but also 5th Fleet to support the withdrawal of U.S. and coalition forces from Afghanistan.

Navy investigating drowning death of research lab civilian

Wesley Goode died earlier this month in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Commander of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28 ousted due to ‘loss of confidence’

Cmdr. Brett Johnson has been temporarily reassigned to the staff of Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic.

Destroyer Momsen and a Coast Guard team seize $39 million worth of illicit drugs in Gulf of Oman

CTF-150 is one of four task forces now operating in the Mideast to counter maritime threats.

In Other News

New allowance greenlit for troops ordered to move from barracks to off-base housing

Partial dislocation allowance will defray some of the costs of moving off post when troops have to leave barracks.

Lawmakers move to guarantee cost-of-living boost for veterans benefits

Legislation would promise veterans get the same increase as Social Security recipients later this year.

Ukraine to get Harpoon anti-ship missiles from Denmark amid Russian Black Sea blockade

Denmark will arm Ukraine with with modern Harpoon anti-ship missiles to protect its coasts, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Monday after concluding the latest U.S.-led meeting of international defense chiefs to coordinate military aid for Ukraine.

Veterans cemeteries will be fully open to visitors this Memorial Day

Public attendance at ceremonies had been limited the last two years by the coronavirus pandemic.

Biden: US would intervene with military to defend Taiwan

Biden, at a news conference in Tokyo, said “yes” when asked if he was willing to get involved militarily to defend Taiwan if China invaded.

Load More