How are Coast Guard cutters like the James equipped to conduct counter-drug missions?
The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754) returned to their home port in Charleston, Dec. 10, following a 92-day deployment conducting counter-narcotics operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean in support of Operation Pacific Viper.
During
the patrol, the James crew interdicted over 46,500 pounds of narcotics valued
at nearly $350 million. The James crew conducted nine interdictions and
detained 33 suspected drug traffickers. The patrol focused on disrupting
illegal narcotics smuggling in collaboration with international partners.
The James
crew worked alongside international partners including Costa Rica, Ecuador,
Mexico, and Colombia. The collaboration included multiple partner nation
transfers.
To
support maritime governance and strengthen international relations, the James
crew transferred 22 detainees pier side in Manta, Ecuador, prior to a visit
from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
The James
crew worked with the Costa Rican coast guard and national police to transfer
two Colombian detainees and offload approximately 9,500 pounds of cocaine in
Golfito, Costa Rica. During the visit, James hosted Costa Rican Minister of
Security Mario Zamora Cordero.
"I
am exceptionally thankful and proud of this crew’s dedication," said Capt.
Thomas Rodzewicz, commanding officer of the James. "Time away from family
and missed holidays is never a small sacrifice, but the crew’s time and
commitment to combatting narco-terrorism and protecting our nation from illicit
drugs crossing our borders are highlighted by the success of this patrol."
The James
crew offloaded more than 26,000 pounds of cocaine and 500 pounds of marijuana
in Port Everglades, Florida, Monday, before heading home. Since
2017, Coast Guard Cutter James crewmembers have interdicted 104 shipments
totaling 285,140 pounds of cocaine worth $2.11 billion wholesale and 34,539
pounds of marijuana worth $27.8 million wholesale.
James is
one of four 418-foot Legend-class national security cutters homeported in Charleston
under U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command. The cutter’s primary missions are
counter-drug operations and defense readiness.
Detecting
and interdicting narco-terrorism on the high seas involves significant
interagency and international coordination. U.S. Southern Command’s Joint
Interagency Task Force-South, based in Key West, Florida, detects and monitors
both aerial and maritime transit of illegal drugs. Once interdiction becomes
imminent, the law enforcement phase of the operation begins, and control of the
operation shifts to the U.S. Coast Guard throughout the interdiction and
apprehension. Interdictions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean are performed by
members of the U.S. Coast Guard under the authority and control of the Coast
Guard’s Southwest District, headquartered in Alameda, California.
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