SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon’s crew interdicted a suspected drug smuggling vessel approximately 50 miles south of Puerto Rico, Friday, with about 7,250 pounds of cocaine on board worth approximately $54.5 million.
“This interdiction shows what ready crews and strong interagency partnerships can achieve in the maritime domain,” said Coast Guard Southeast District Commander Adm. Adam Chamie. “The Richard Dixon crew, Air Station Miami and our Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations partners stopped more than 7,000 pounds of cocaine before it could reach our communities, and we will keep taking the fight to the criminal networks that threaten our region.”
The five people on the vessel are detained pending further investigation. The vessel was destroyed as it posed a hazard to navigation.
“An outstanding team effort thanks to seamless coordination with Coast Guard and CBP air assets, cutter Richard Dixon was in the right place at the right time to stop a major shipment.” said Lt. Cmdr. Michael D. Torgesen, Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon commanding officer. “I’m constantly humbled by my crew’s dedication and am proud to serve alongside them as we strike a direct blow against transnational smuggling operations and protect the nation’s maritime borders in the Caribbean.”
The Coast Guard is the United States’ lead federal agency for maritime drug interdiction. We are part of the Department of Homeland Security team protecting our nation and are at all times a military service and part of the joint force defending it.
###
About the U.S. Coast Guard
With more than 95,000 miles of shoreline, 25,000 miles of navigable rivers and 4.5 million square miles of U.S. exclusive economic zone, the U.S. Coast Guard defends the Nation, protects the marine transportation system, regulates and safeguards ports and waterways, leads the Nation in maritime drug interdiction and secures the maritime border. As a member of the joint force, a law enforcement organization, a regulatory agency and a member of the U.S. intelligence community, the Coast Guard employs a unique mix of authorities to ensure the safety and integrity of the maritime domain to protect the economic and national security of the nation. More than 76,000 members of the Coast Guard operate a multi-mission, interoperable fleet of more than 220 cutters, 185 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, 1,300 boats and its own dedicated cyber command to protect critical maritime infrastructure.
More information about the U.S. Coast Guard can be found at www.uscg.mil Follow @USCG on X and Instagram, like us on Facebook, subscribe on YouTube and follow LinkedIn—connect with us.
Make a difference on land, at sea or in the air with the Coast Guard. Visit GoCoastGuard.com to find out how to be part of our team.
-USCG-