Sailors from Coast Guard USS Zephyr, along with Dutch Karel Doorman-class multi-purpose frigate HNLMS Van Amstel, pursued and boarded yesterday, a small fishing vessel in the Caribbean, and seized 750 kilograms of cocaine with a total street value of $22.5 million.
Armed Forces Spokesman Casey J. Hopkins said that the interdiction by multiple agencies is part of operation Martillo (hammer), which targets illicit trafficking routes in coastal waters along the Central American isthmus, and is an international, inter-agency operation that includes the participation of 17 countries committed to a regional approach against transnational organized crime moving illicit cargo.
According to USS Zephyr commanding officer, Lt. Commander Cameron Ingram:
"Today's success was due to the high professionalism and cohesive integration of the Zephyr crew and USCG LEDET."
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