The Coast Guard recently arrested five alleged smugglers and seized $3.2 million in cocaine in the Caribbean Sea.
The interdiction was the result of a multi-agency law enforcement effort.
"This is a great way to start our counter-drug patrol here in the Caribbean. We are glad these drugs will not reach our streets," said Cmdr. Charles Kuebler, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dauntless commanding officer.
While on patrol on July 2, the crew of the Dauntless detected a suspicious fishing vessel approximately 170 miles south of the Dominican Republic with five people and possible contraband on board.
The Coast Guard contacted the Guyanese government, which confirmed the registry of the vessel and authorized the Coast Guard to stop, board and search the vessel.
During a preliminary search, the team located five bales carrying 98 packages (215 pounds) of suspected contraband. It later tested positive for cocaine.
Dauntless transferred the cocaine and suspected smugglers to the William Trump for transport to San Juan, Puerto Rico, on July 11, where they were taken into custody by special agents from the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force.
Local
The names of the five suspects, three Jamaican and two Guyanese, have not been released.
