Coast Guard Intercepts $58 Million In Cocaine Off FL Coast
KEY WEST (CBS4) - The Coast Guard showed off a major cocaine bust in Key West Wednesday.
Officials announced that while patrolling the Caribbean Sea on September 9, crew members aboard Cutter Bear intercepted a go-fast boat carrying 4,335 pounds of cocaine.
The cutter was on the lookout for the go-fast boat after receiving a tip from a Customs and Border Protection Maritime Patrol Aircraft in the area. The cutter also launched it's helicopter to assist in the search.
When the cutter's helicopter arrived on scene, people on the boat began throwing bales of cocaine overboard. After dumping all the coke, the boat tried to flee, but was eventually stopped by the Coast Guard.
Five people onboard the boat were detained and transferred to federal law enforcement officials at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Officials say the cocaine has a street value of $58 million.
