The US Coast Guard has seized approximately 1,520 kilograms of marijuana with an estimated value of approximately US$6 million from a go-fast vessel in international waters of the Pacific Ocean off Central America, the service said in a statement on Friday, May 29.
A maritime patrol aircraft spotted a suspected smuggling vessel and diverted the crew aboard the Legend-class cutter James to the go-fast vessel's position.
Once on scene, James' crew initiated a pursuit of the suspected smugglers, who attempted to evade while throwing contraband overboard.
The cutter's Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew disabled the go-fast's engines to enable a coast guard small boat crew to board the suspect vessel.
The boarding team discovered four suspected smugglers and marijuana hidden aboard.
