Coast Guard Cutter Returns With $275M in Seized Drugs After Losing Crew Member at Sea

Thursday, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche came back to San Diego with 37,000 pounds of cocaine worth $275 million. This was one of the biggest drug hauls in recent memory. As the mission went on, though, tragedy struck when Seaman Bryan Lee, 23, went missing at sea during a drug patrol last Tuesday. His death was felt by the team. Lee's whereabouts were put on hold on Monday after a search that covered 19,000 square miles.

The Coast Guard's 11 interdiction actions off the coasts of Mexico, Central America, and South America led to the seizure of cocaine. This is part of their increased efforts to stop drug trafficking. The drugs, which are thought to be enough for 33 million doses, will be given to U.S. police to destroy.

Even though it was dangerous to board smuggling ships when the seas were rough, the Waesche crew worked hard and performed six interdictions in six days. "Their dedication ensured the success of our mission," Capt. Tyson Scofield said, praising Lee's and the crew's hard work. Officials stress that each shipment that is stopped keeps illegal drugs and possible fentanyl contamination from getting into the streets of the United States.

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