The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James returned to their home port in Charleston this week, loaded with 46,500 pounds of drugs seized during a 92-day deployment conducting counter-narcotics operations in support of Operation Pacific Viper.
During the patrol, the James crew interdicted narcotics valued at nearly $350 million. The James crew conducted nine interdictions and detained 33 suspected cartel drug traffickers. The patrol focused on disrupting illegal narcotics smuggling in collaboration with international partners, including Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, and Colombia.
The James crew offloaded more than 26,000 pounds of cocaine and 500 pounds of marijuana in Port Everglades, Florida, on Monday, before heading home.
Since 2017, Coast Guard Cutter James crewmembers have interdicted 104 shipments totalling 285,140 pounds of cocaine worth $2.11 billion wholesale and 34,539 pounds of marijuana worth $27.8 million wholesale.
James is one of four 418-foot Legend-class national security cutters homeported in Charleston under the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command. The cutter’s primary missions are counter-drug operations and defense readiness.
“I am exceptionally thankful and proud of this crew’s dedication.Time away from family and missed holidays is never a small sacrifice, but the crew’s time and commitment to combating narco-terrorism and protecting our nation from illicit drugs crossing our borders are highlighted by the success of this patrol.” - Capt. Thomas Rodzewicz, Commanding Officer
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Abrazos,
Jack Beavers
Thanks Jack! It's true that your US BORDER NEWS is the only source for these operational reports, and we appreciate it!
Jack, I am thrilled that the Coast Guard is taking charge of drugs bound for the United States 🇺🇸. Thank you so much for informing us Patriots about this important news. You are the only one that has good information.