MEDIA ADVISORY: Cutter to return home after seizing over $200 million worth of cocaine

Media Advisory

April 20, 2018 U.S. Coast Guard 13th District PA Detachment Astoria Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Astoria Office: (503) 861-6237 After Hours: (206) 819-9154 PA Detachment Astoria online newsroom

MEDIA ADVISORY: Cutter to return home after seizing over $200 million worth of cocaine

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Astoria, Ore. – The crew aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast (WMEC-623) are scheduled to return home Friday at 5 p.m. to Astoria after a 60-day counternarcotic patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

While patrolling international waters off the coast of Mexico and Central America, Steadfast’s law enforcement boarding teams intercepted and stopped eight separate vessels suspected of smuggling illicit drugs. The eight boardings resulted in the discovery and seizure of approximately 5,965 kilograms (13,123 lbs.) of cocaine worth more than $200 million wholesale.

 

Who: The Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast crewmembers

 

What: Return to their homeport following 60-day counternarcotic patrol

 

Where: 1792 Marine Drive, Astoria, OR 97103

 

When: Friday, April 20, 2018 at 5 p.m.

 

*Media representatives interested in attending should contact Petty Officer Levi Read at the PADET Astoria public affairs at 206-819-9154 or 503-861-6237 and plan to be onsite by 4:30 p.m. Due to changing weather and sea conditions, Steadfast’s arrival time may vary. Please bring a government-issued photo ID, press credentials, proof of vehicle registration and insurance.

 

The 210-foot cutter deployed to the Eastern Pacific Ocean in support of the Joint Interagency Task Force South with the primary mission of detecting and interdicting illegal drug traffickers. While deployed, Steadfast’s crew also performed a variety of missions including counter terrorism training, foreign engagements, humanitarian aid, and search and rescue operations.

Steadfast’s crew sailed over 13,000 nautical miles during their patrol enforcing maritime safety and security in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Steadfast is a Reliance Class medium endurance cutter homeported in Astoria since 1994.

 

 

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