Success Stories: U.S. Records Largest Maritime Cocaine Seizure

Objective: Continue to Protect Our Nation from Dangerous Goods

Situation		Action
Joint U.S. task force monitors and detects drugs Intelligence plus strong interagency coordination Teamwork: USCG, CBP, ICE, DEA, FBI & DOJ Panama promptly responds to registry inquiry International cooperation is the key to success		Mar 18, 2007: M/V Gatun is boarded Captain Diaz and crew of the USCG cutter Sherman interdict the Gatun under the cover of night Supported by USCG cutter Hamilton & C-130 USCG overcomes significant mechanical challenges
Result		Over 19 tons of cocaine seized by DHS
Over 38,000 lbs of cocaine is seized on high seas Value of cocaine: worth over $450 million 14 crew detained, 11 sent to U.S. for trial: plea guilty Three crew of M/V Gatun turned over to Panama Cocaine: 197,391 lbs in 1Q07 / 148,514 in 1Q06		USCG cutter Sherman intercepts Gatun off the coast of Panama
		NEXT      Case# 0000001 03/21/2007

This page was last modified on September 14, 2007