Coast Guard offloads drugs seized at sea

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) -- U.S. Coast Guard crew members have returned to Miami after six weeks at sea where they seized millions of dollars worth of drugs in the Caribbean.

Coast Guard Cutter Valiant crew members offloaded 191 bales of cocaine at the Miami Beach Coast Guard Station Thursday morning. The crew managed to seize the 9,200 pounds of cocaine following four separate drug smuggling missions in the Caribbean Sea during the month of October. Officials said the drugs have an estimated street value of $127 million.

Several arrests were made in the case and Coast Guard crew members are extremely proud of their work at sea. "Definitely, it makes us feel outstanding. It's a significant accomplishment, especially for our local Miami guys that are stationed on the ship," said U.S. Coast Guard Commander Dante Vinciguerra. "It means a lot to them to know they're stopping the flow of drugs coming into their hometown communities."

Commander Vinciguerra said he has never seen such a large drug bust during such a short patrol. "That's for sure. I've never had this many happen in one patrol, but I'll tell you again, it makes you feel great. It makes my crew feel great to get this accomplishment," he said.

The crew members will now get to post four medals on their Coast Guard cutter to let the drug smugglers know that they got them.

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