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

Photos: The Coast Guard intercepts a semi-submersible vessel packed with cocaine; The Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, stationed in Alameda. Courtesy U.S. Coast Guard.

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The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton from Alameda made a Moby Dick-sized seizure of cocaine in the Pacific Ocean. The crew seized a self-propelled semi-submersible vessel carrying more than 16,000 pounds of cocaine. Wholesale value: $181 million.

he Coast Guard calls this ”the largest recorded semi-submersible interdiction in Coast Guard history.”

Four alleged smugglers were taken into custody.

A U.S. Navy maritime patrol aircraft first detected the 40-foot semi-submersible vessel more than 200-miles south of Mexico.

“Our success intercepting this drug-laden, self-propelled semi-submersible is a testament to the collaboration of our partner agencies, and demonstrates the importance of our increased presence in the Western Hemisphere,” said Vice Adm. Charles W. Ray, commander, Pacific Area. “Every interception of these semi-submersibles disrupts transnational organized crime networks and helps increase security and stability in the Western Hemisphere.”

The Coast Guard transferred 12,000 pounds of the cocaine to the cutter, and them attempted to tow the makeshift submarine to shore. It sank, taking 4,000 pounds of cocaine to the sea floor.