A Coast Guard law enforcement team aboard the USS Billings intercepted a vessel suspected of drug smuggling on Thursday, about 8 miles from Mole Saint-Nicolas, Haiti.
With the Haitian government’s authorization, the boarding team’s investigation led to the discovery of around 3,200 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $3.8 million, resulting in the detention of one individual. The seized drugs and the suspect were handed over to Haitian authorities on Sunday.
“In close collaboration with the Haitian government, the U.S. Coast Guard remains dedicated to our shared goal of securing the maritime boundaries of the Caribbean,” stated Lt. Cmdr. Cory Arsenault, the Coast Guard liaison for Haiti. “Together, we are enhancing collaborative efforts to disrupt the illegal drug trade, safeguard at-risk communities, and ensure regional security and stability. Our partnership demonstrates a sustained commitment to cooperation, vigilance, and the rule of law.”
Approximately 80% of drug interdictions for U.S.-bound narcotics occur at sea, highlighting the critical role of maritime interdiction in combating the illegal drug trade and protecting American communities from this dangerous threat. Detecting and intercepting drug traffickers on the open seas necessitates extensive interagency and international collaboration. The Joint Interagency Task Force South, based in Key West, oversees the tracking and monitoring of aerial and maritime illegal drug traffic.
When an interdiction is imminent, the law enforcement aspect of the operation commences, transferring control to the U.S. Coast Guard for the interdiction and apprehension stages. Caribbean Sea interdictions are executed by U.S. Coast Guard personnel under the authority of the Coast Guard Southeast District, which is located in Miami.