The Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon’s crew transferred approximately 250 kilograms of seized cocaine and the custody of three apprehended smugglers to authorities in the Dominican Republic on Monday, following the interdiction of a go-fast vessel in the Mona Passage.
According to the Coast Guard, two of the three men apprehended are reportedly Dominican Republic nationals, while one other claimed Haitian nationality.
The seized cocaine consisted of six bales with 112 packages inside.
The Coast Guard estimated the wholesale value of the seizure at $3.75 million.
The interdiction was due to collaboration between the U.S Coast Guard Sector San Juan, Customs and Border Protection, and Dominican Republic law enforcement officials.
During the evening hours of January 10, 2023, the aircrew of a Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine multi-role enforcement aircraft detected a suspect go-fast vessel in Mona Passage waters.
The Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon diverted to the scene.
And during a pursuit, the suspected smugglers were observed jettisoning multiple bales of suspected contraband.
The Coast Guard cutter successfully stopped the suspect vessel, apprehended the three men, and seized the contraband, which tested positive for cocaine.
