The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Calhoun (WMSL 759) seized an estimated 10,000 lbs. of cocaine with a street value of more than $74 million during a recent interdiction operation in the Atlantic Ocean.
The bust, which took place April 12 in international waters resulted in the detention of five suspected smugglers, who remain in U.S. custody awaiting prosecutorial action. The interdiction occurred approximately 1,265 miles west of Las Palmas, Canary Islands.
The operation began when the Calhoun, operating under the tactical control of Coast Guard Atlantic Area, identified a suspicious fishing vessel exhibiting behavior consistent with narcotics trafficking. The cutter launched a small boat to intercept, board, and search the vessel, ultimately uncovering the multi-ton cocaine shipment and taking the five crew members into custody.
Commissioned in 2024, Calhoun is the newest Legend-class national security cutter, homeported in North Charleston, S.C. The Coast Guard said the 418’ vessel is one of the agency’s most advanced cutters, designed for long-range, high-endurance missions. Its primary responsibilities include counter-drug patrols and national defense readiness.
