Trafficking Briefs: U.S. Catches Coke at Sea & Europe Cuffs Cannabis Network

Big Bricks on the Coast Gaurd’s Valiant

Cutter Valiant’s $30 million haul

Last week, Valiant, a U.S Coast Guard cutter, returned home to Naval Station Mayport in Florida celebrating a $30 million drug seizure.

Valiant was on a 49-day deployment in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Florida Straits conducting maritime safety and security missions as part of Operation Vigilant Sentry.

Before shifting focus to migrant interdiction, the cutter’s crew conducted counterdrug operations. Those activities included intercepting a go-fast vessel on Sept reportedly carrying over 97 pounds of cocaine and assisting the Royal Netherlands Navy patrol vessel HNLMS Groningen with two additional interdictions.

In all, the Valiant was reportedly involved in the seizure of over 900 pounds of narcotics.

Interdiction near Desecheo Island