During a patrol in Atlantic Ocean waters, the Ticonderoga-class missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), carried out the detection and interception of a submarine smuggling illicit drugs.
The “narco-submarine”, as they are popularly known, was boarded by a team from the U.S. Coast Guard (Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) that was deployed in a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB), supported by an SH-60 helicopter belonging to the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 50.
Upon reaching the submersible, the LETED arrested two individuals and confiscated approximately 2,370 kilograms of cocaine. Once the illegal cargo was seized, the crew of the USS Leyte Gulf conducted a sinking exercise (SINKEX) of the submersible.
In this regard, Lieutenant Commander Travis Lee, lead aviator of the Leyte Gulf noted “Discovering this vessel was like finding a needle in a haystack,” to which he added “I’ve been doing this for seven years and not once have I been able to find and get my hands on an asset like this, until now.”
Notably, while on patrol in the Atlantic, the USS Leyte Gulf, which is under the command of U.S. Navy Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) to support bilateral and multinational maritime operations with partners in the region in the fight against illicit drug trafficking, successfully intercepted three other different vessels through coordinated air and surface operations involving U.S. and partner nation forces. During the interceptions, the LEDET boarded and took positive control of each vessel.
On February 6, the vessel recovered 520 kilograms of methamphetamine with an estimated value of $12.8 million, while on February 15, 600 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated value of $15.25 million were recovered, and finally on February 28, the crew recovered another 600 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated value of $15 million.
*Image credits: U.S. Navy.
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