PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The US Coast Guard Cutter Tampa is back at its homeport in Portsmouth, following a 56-day patrol in the Caribbean.
The Coast Guard says the Tampa took part in counter-drug operations while on patrol, which included stopping a vessel carrying 87 bales of cocaine, weighing 5,500 pounds and worth an estimated $94.6 million. Three suspects on board were detained.
According to the Coast Guard, the Tampa's efforts to combat drug smuggling are part of Operation Martillo, a larger effort to increase regional stability and undermine the influence of Transnational Criminal Organizations, who routinely attempt to smuggle drugs throughout the region.
The Tampa's crew also utilized COVID-19 safety protocols, which included personal protective equipment as well as having vaccinations available for members.
