HONOLULU (KHON2) — Honolulu-based Coast Guard Cutter Midgett returned back to the islands on Oct. 3 following their 79-day deployment to the eastern Pacific with the “Operation Pacific Viper” counterdrug mission.
The crew patrolled international waters near Mexico and Central America, and apprehended 19 alleged drug smugglers in the process.
Additionally, they interdicted four suspected drug smuggling vessels, seizing 21,126 pounds of cocaine from entering the country.
The cocaine was valued at more than $156.4 million and was offloaded in San Diego back in September.
During the deployment, multiple counterdrug missions were conducted, further preventing the spread of illegal narcotics.
An interagency task force based in Florida monitors the aerial and maritime transit of these illegal drugs, and notifies agencies such as the U.S. Coast Guard so that they may intercept the illegal substances.
The deployment and subsequent missions were conducted in partnership with the Tactical Law Enforcement Team South, Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron crews, V-BAT Unmanned Aerial Systems and other Department of Defense assets.
“This deployment showcased the power of partnerships in combatting transnational crime,” said Capt. Brian Whisler, Midgett’s commanding officer. “From HITRON and TACLET SOUTH to the entire JIATF-S team, the Midgett crew worked seamlessly with our partners to achieve significant results.”
During the deployment, the Coast Guard Cutter Midgett conducted its 1,000th interdiction of suspected drug smuggling vessels.