Coast Guard Cutter Returning to Port After Record Drug Seizures

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton is expected to return to Alameda Wednesday after a long mission gathering more cocaine than any other Coast Guard crew in recent memory. The Stratton has been on a 114-day drug patrol of the Pacific Ocean.

During the course of the mission its crew seized 33 tons of cocaine worth more than $1 billion, according to the Coast Guard. The drugs were seized in 23 different interceptions and dropped off at Naval Base San Diego earlier this week. Two interceptions of self-propelled semi-submersible vessels in July yielded about a third of the seized cocaine, according to the Coast Guard.

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• Local Coast Guard Cutter Seizes Semi-Submarine, Makes Biggest Cocaine Bust in History

In addition to the drug seizures, the Stratton crew took part in search-and-rescue missions, surveillance and community outreach. The cutter is expected to pull into port at 9 a.m. Wednesday where its crew will reunite with their families.

By Bay City News

Photos: The Coast Guard intercepts a semi-submersible vessel packed with cocaine. Courtesy U.S. Coast Guard.