The U.S. Coast Guard seized over $63 million worth of cocaine, totaling more than 4,800 pounds, at a Florida seaport following a dramatic shootout with a suspected drug smuggling vessel.

Interception and Seizure

The drug shipment was intercepted with the assistance of the HNLMS Groningen, an offshore patrol vessel operated by the Royal Netherlands Navy, in collaboration with a Coast Guard law enforcement detachment and helicopter interdiction tactical squadron. The interception occurred 24 miles north of Puerto Cabello, Venezuela.

Dramatic Pursuit

This operation unfolded just two days after the Coast Guard suspended a search for three suspected smugglers who went overboard in the Caribbean Sea during a pursuit of a non-compliant vessel suspected of smuggling illegal narcotics. According to a news release by the USCG, the vessel failed to stop when signaled on Tuesday, prompting a chase. As the operator of the vessel changed direction towards the Royal Netherlands Navy ship, the boat crew, comprised of both Dutch and U.S. Coast Guard members, fired their weapons. The vessel caught fire, sank, and the three suspected smugglers went overboard. They were not recovered, and no U.S. or Dutch officers were injured in the exchange.

Lieutenant Commander’s Statement

Lieutenant Commander John W. Beal, the Coast Guard District Seven public affairs officer, emphasized the risks inherent in the missions carried out by Coast Guard personnel and their allied partners. He stated, The missions our Coast Guard servicemembers and allied partners do every day to deny transnational criminal organizations access to maritime smuggling routes are inherently dangerous. Beal also addressed the decision to suspend active search efforts, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the ongoing investigation being conducted in accordance with Coast Guard policy.

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