Coast Guard Interdicts 600 Pounds of Marijuana, Hash

The Coast Guard interdicted approximately 600 pounds of marijuana and hash, with an estimated street value of $544,200, off the coast of Miami Sunday.

A Coast Guard Air Station Miami helicopter crew spotted a 15-foot center console boat with two people aboard heading westbound.

Boatcrews from Station Miami Beach, Fla., and Station Fort Lauderdale, Fla., were launched to interdict the vessel. Once on scene, the Coast Guard boatcrew safely stopped the 15-foot vessel without incident. The boatcrew transferred the two persons, 76 bricks of marijuana, and 26 bricks of hash to awaiting law enforcement authorities at Coast Guard Base Miami Beach.

"This interdiction was a direct result of the highly trained and professional officers from Air Station Miami, Station Miami Beach, and Station Fort Lauderdale," said Lt. Paul Turner, commanding officer, Station Fort Lauderdale. "In conjunction, all units identified a possible illegal act of smuggling and responded, resulting in approximately 600 pounds of illegal contraband seized and two suspected smugglers detained. Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Branch, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Homeland Security Investigations personnel will play a key role in case prosecution."

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Source: United States Coast Guard