Watch CBS News

Customs And Border Protection Helps Confiscate $37 Million In Cocaine

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A U.S. Customs and Border Protection aircraft patrolling the Caribbean Sea helped recover more than 3,300 pounds of cocaine, officials said.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Air and Marine P-3 Orion Long Range Tracker aircraft spotted a go-fast style boat about 135 miles east of Panama City, Panama.

Two U.S. Coast Guard cutters and two Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron aircraft were sent to the alleged smuggler's location.

Officials said the alleged smugglers began dumping the bales of drugs overboard as they attempted to get away.

Coast Guard was able to recover most of the drugs that were dumped overboard.

Law enforcement detained four suspected drug smugglers and seized the remainder of the cocaine on their boat.

Officials said the cocaine is valued at more than $37,625,000.

RELATED CONTENT:

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.