New video shows a U.S. Coast Guard air crew using sniper fire to stop a smuggling boat during what officials said was a $45 million drug bust operation off Colombia.
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The incident happened May 8 when the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma came across three suspected smuggling boats about 90 miles off Cartagena, officials said.
Two small boats and a helicopter were launched to stop the vessels but one refused to comply.
The video released by the Coast Guard Thursday showed a crew member on the helicopter using a machine gun while firing in the boat’s path in apparent attempt to get it to stop.
The crew member then uses sniper fire on the boat’s engines to get it to stop, officials said.
Officials said the suspected smugglers jumped overboard but were given floatation devices and were rescued with no reported injuries.
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On the three vessels the crews found about 6,085 pounds of cocaine worth around $45.8 million, officials said.
“Interdicting three vessels simultaneously is a testament to the unwavering professionalism, precision, and dedication of our crews,” Cmdr. Nolan Cuevas, Tahoma’s commanding officer. “This interdiction prevented a significant number of illegal narcotics from reaching America’s shores, and their teamwork underscores the Coast Guard’s mission to protect our nation and saving lives.”
The Tahoma offloaded about 8,185 pounds of seized drugs worth nearly $61.6 million at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday.
“Executing such a complex mission demands the highest proficiency from our crew,” Cuevas said. “Our success required the integration of thoughtful training, carefully planned logistics, and joint coordination. We are very proud of our efforts to prevent illicit networks from threatening our security.”
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