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(CNN) - The US Coast Guard’s Valiant patrol boat confiscated a “narcosubmarine” carrying 12,000 pounds (more than 5 tons) of cocaine worth more than 165 million dollars, according to a press release.
The semi-submersible 40 feet (12 meters), a vessel made of a barge or oil or gas drilling rig with the support of submarine pontoons, was found in the Eastern Pacific in early September, according to a statement Tuesday.
Valiant crew members intercepted the submarine with the help of Colombian naval assets, took control of it and arrested four smugglers.
The #Florida @USCG Cutter Valiant took down a narco sub carrying 12k lbs of cocaine in the #EasternPacific, cutting approximately $ 165 thousand from smuggler pockets.
More info and photos here: https://t.co/mSb28nTIzF pic.twitter.com/hS5kRVtV3f
- USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) September 24, 2019
The Coast Guard unloaded more than 1,000 pounds (about 450 kilos) of cocaine, but had to leave the rest due to the questionable stability of the boat.
"There are no words to describe the feeling the Valiant crew is experiencing at this time," said Matthew Waldron, the ship's commander.
“In a 24-hour period, the crew crossed the equator and intercepted a semi-submersible self-propelled and drug-laden vessel. Each of them is a momentous event in the career of any patrolman. However, as a whole, it is really noticeably and unprecedented. ”
In the last week, the US Coast Guard for the Southeast reported having confiscated more than 13,000 pounds (almost 6 tons) of cocaine.
Drug Trafficking