U.S. Coast Guard seizes $100 million worth of cocaine

Astoria, Ore. – The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alert returned to Astoria, Oregon with a record seizure of cocaine on Sunday.

According to the USCG, Alert stopped four “go-fast” boats carrying a total of 3.3 tons of cocaine during its 53-day patrol that spanned 12,500 miles in the Easter Pacific. The estimated value of the cocaine is $100 million.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the crew’s accomplishments and the professionalism during the best patrol of my career,” said Cmdr. Patrick Culver. “They earned a well-deserved respite from the rigors of sea; reuniting with their loved ones at homecoming makes the mission truly worthwhile.”

The USCG said the crew of Cutter Alert also detained 11 suspected smugglers during its patrol.