20-05-2025
Coast Guard Cutter Forward seizes $23M+ in cocaine during 79-day patrol
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – The Coast Guard Cutter Forward (WMEC 911) returned to their home port in Portsmouth Monday after a 79-day patrol to conduct counter-drug operations.
While in patrol, the cutter noticed a vessel engaged in drug-trafficking and a team including members of the Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team – South (TACLET-S) pursued the vessel. Four suspected drug traffickers were apprehended.
A second small boat crew went to locate and recover 37 bales of cocaine that were dropped by the suspected traffickers, resulting in the seizure of 2,039 pounds of cocaine worth more than $23 million.
'Transnational criminal organizations are smart and sophisticated, and our crews meet that challenge head-on,' said Cmdr. Andrew Grantham, commanding officer of Forward. 'Throughout this demanding patrol, our team performed with professionalism and determination.'
The Forward worked in tandem with Coast Guard Cutters Kimball (WMSL 756), Thetis (WMEC 910) and TACLET-S to stop suspected drug smuggling while patrolling off the Pacific coast of Central and South America.
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