The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Resolute recently returned to its homeport in St. Petersburg, Florida, after offloading nearly 9,700 pounds of cocaine and 5,500 pounds of marijuana—a significant achievement in the ongoing battle against narcotics smuggling.
This substantial drug seizure, valued at approximately $115 million, was carried out over a 38-day deployment in the Caribbean Sea in support of the Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-South).
The operation not only disrupted key drug trafficking routes from Central and South America but also led to the capture of five suspected smugglers, who now face federal charges.
Commander Ian Starr, Resolute’s commanding officer, praised his crew’s professionalism and skill, noting, “I am incredibly proud of their efforts and their ability to succeed under challenging conditions.”
International collaboration bolstered the mission’s success. Partnering with the Royal Netherlands Navy’s HNLMS Holland, Resolute’s crew facilitated the transfer of additional narcotics, seizing another 5,000 pounds of marijuana and 4,400 pounds of cocaine.
Beyond drug interdiction, Resolute’s crew demonstrated versatility by conducting humanitarian aid operations, rescuing 181 Haitian migrants from an unseaworthy vessel.
They also performed flight operations with an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter to further enhance mission readiness.
As part of a larger strategy coordinated with agencies like the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), Resolute plays a pivotal role in combating criminal networks through an intelligence-led approach.
This recent mission underscores the Coast Guard’s steadfast commitment to national security and maritime law enforcement.
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