A Coast Guard cutter returned to its homeport in Kittery, Maine, on Friday following a productive 80-day counter-narcotic patrol that resulted in the seizure of 12,000 pounds of cocaine worth $209 million, according to the Coast Guard.
The Campbell's crew disrupted six narcotic smuggling ventures and detained 24 suspected smugglers during its patrol in the known narcotic transit zones in the Eastern Pacific Ocean off the coast of Central and South America.
"During this challenging deployment, the crew excelled in all assigned missions and should be exceptionally proud of their accomplishments," said Cmdr. Mark McDonnell, commanding officer of the Campbell.
McDonnell noted that partnerships at other agencies and with other nations were key to the operations "as we work together to remove cocaine bound for the United States and help dismantle criminal networks."
Campbell's crew also rescued three sea turtles found entangled in loose fishing gear.
Campbell is a 29-year-old Famous-Class cutter with a crew complement of 100.
