Global Courant
MIAMI — The U.S. Coast Guard has unloaded cocaine in Miami worth an estimated $186 million seized in international waters of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
The Coast Guard said in a press release that more than 14,000 pounds of cocaine was recently intercepted in nine separate cases. Twelve suspected drug smugglers were arrested on various charges.
The drugs were brought ashore in Miami on Friday.
Helicopters and ships from the Coast Guard and air and sea assets from Customs and Border Protection participated in the seizures and arrests.
“This teamwork is absolutely essential for the identification, interception and seizure of vessels involved in illegal trade and a testament to the hard work of these crews,” said Coast Guard Lieutenant Peter Hutchison.