InfoSearched
Published -
- July 14, 2019
- 9:04 pm
BREAKING NEWS — Incredible footage of crewmen from the U.S. Coast Guard
Cutter USS Douglas Munro jumping onto the top of a self-propelled semi-submersible narco vessel in choppy water in the Pacific Ocean. The coast guard vessel was patrolling off the coast of Colombia on June 18, 2019. These semi-subs float partially underwater to avoid detection and are hard to find and hard to capture. The sub’s crew were arrested and its contents seized. This rare, successful interdiction was part of a three Coast Guard vessel operation patrolling international waters off the coasts of Mexico, and Central and South America watching for contraband. They delivered the fruits of their labour —from 14 separate stops of narco-vessels — worth an estimated US$569 million at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego on July 11, 2019. The guards were greeted and congratulated by U.S. Vice President Mike Pence after arriving back in port.
Why are narco-submarines and ships particularly popular for drug trafficking in the Pacific?
On July 11th, 2019, the United States Coast Guard conducted an exceptionally daring operation in the Pacific Ocean. A pursuit commenced, which resulted in the apprehension of a narco-submarine that was attempting to evade capture. The events that followed gave a glimpse into the dangerous world of drug smugglers and the lengths to which law enforcement officers go to protect the people and ensure that the law is upheld.
The chase began with the detection of a vessel by a reconnaissance plane operated by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The mysterious craft was reportedly traveling north towards the United States, and Navy and Coast Guard were quickly dispatched to intercept it. Upon approaching the suspected drug smugglers’ boat, the suspects began to throw bales of cannabis overboard to lighten their load and evade capture. The Coast Guard’s pursuit continued over thousands of miles, including waters belonging to several countries, and lasted for several weeks. During this time, the suspected smugglers demonstrated a high degree of skill in evading the authorities.
However, the Coast Guard was up to the challenge. After several unsuccessful attempts to board the vessel, the crew was able to launch a small boat and jump onto the moving sub. What followed was a wild ride in which Coast Guard personnel clung tenaciously to the top of the vessel as it slipped through the waves at a frantic pace. Exhilarating footage of the encounter reveals how the officers had to use a tool to peel the hatch open, and once that was accomplished, they rushed in to apprehend those on board.
This was a notable achievement for law enforcement officers and marked the first time the United States Coast Guard was able to board a narco-submarine mid-voyage; a previously unreachable objective that was realized due to expertise, ingenuity, and bravery.
Narco-submarines and ships are not unusual means of drug transportation. They are particularly popular in the Pacific, where drug trafficking has become a big business. These vessels allow traffickers to avoid being detected and make it incredibly challenging for law enforcement agencies to track and intercept them. This latest development is evidence of the continued efforts and increased success of those working in the security sector against drug trafficking.
The Coast Guard’s success in the Pacific was lauded by many, not least of all by President Trump. “Great job by the United States Coast Guard in executing a difficult and dangerous operation. We are proud of our brave men and women in uniform, and their hard work keeps us safe!” he tweeted.
The apprehension of the Narco-submarine is a great accomplishment for the United States Coast Guard, and it is an assurance to American citizens that authorities work tirelessly to ensure their safety. The Coast Guard’s bravery and skill also sends a stern warning to drug smugglers that they will be brought to justice, no matter how creative their methods.
