$90M Cocaine Bust By Maine Coast Guard Crew

KITTERY, ME — A Coast Guard crew based in Kittery seized $90 million worth of cocaine in a series of drug interdiction operations in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The crew of the Tahoma, a 270-foot cutter, intercepted four panga-style fishing boats loaded with over 3 tons of cocaine.

The Tahoma teamed up with a Jacksonville, Florida-based helicopter crew to conduct the operations.

"Each case required a high-speed chase by the Tahoma’s pursuit boat teams and use of the armed helicopter to disable the engines of fleeing suspect vessels," said Tahoma Cmdr. Tim Brown in a statement. "The efforts of the crews resulted in the interdiction of tons of cocaine that was eventually destined for (U.S.) streets."

Three of the missions happened in a five-day span over Christmas.

“I’m tremendously pleased with the professionalism, dedication and success of Tahoma’s crew and her assigned armed helicopter detachment,” Brown added. “They responded expertly to any reported suspect vessels at all hours of the day and night. They also overcame many difficulties like being away from home over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays and patrolling for weeks on end without a break. This crew responded with aplomb, helping protect our nation from the violence, death and destruction caused by the trafficking of cocaine to our communities.”

Photo: The crews of the Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma and Jacksonville, Florida's Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron on Dec. 27, 2016. (Credit: Coast Guard)