Morgenthau does it again

Alameda based cutter disrupts drug operations

PACIFIC OCEAN – Working in conjunction with the Panamanian Navy, the crew of the U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Morgenthau helped apprehend two suspected drug smugglers off the coast of Panama, Jan. 26. The crew also recovered a bale of cocaine the suspects had tossed overboard as the authorities closed on the subjects.

The suspects’ vessel was spotted by a U. S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and a marine patrol aircraft, and the crew of the Morgenthau moved to intercept the vessel before engaging in pursuit.

During the pursuit the suspects aboard the vessel jettisoned several packages, one of which was recovered and tested positive for cocaine. After attempting to evade the Morgenthau’s interceptor boats the vessel was intercepted and boarded.

The Panamanian Navy led the boarding process, assisted by the Morgenthau’s law enforcement team. The Panamanian Navy assumed custody of the two suspects and seized all of the contraband aboard the vessel.

This is the second drug bust in just 18 days for the crew of the Morgenthau.

Overall coordination of detection and monitoring for counter-drug interdiction operations is conducted by the Joint Interagency Task Force South, headquartered in Key West, Fla. The actual intercept and seizure of suspected smuggling vessels in the Eastern Pacific is carried out under the tactical command and law enforcement authority of the U.S. Coast Guard 11th District, headquartered in Alameda, Calif., or by law enforcement agencies of partner nations in the region.

Morgenthau, homeported in Alameda, Calif., has a crew of approximately 165 personnel whose missions include search and rescue, drug and migrant interdiction, fisheries and maritime law enforcement, marine environmental protection and homeland security.

For more information about the Morgentahu's previous drug bust, click here.

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