In collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, the guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59) recovered approximately 630 kg of cocaine, worth an estimated wholesale value of approximately $23 million in international waters in the drug transit zone of the Eastern Pacific, May 6.
During a routine patrol of the Eastern Pacific in international waters off the coast of Central and South America in support of Operation Martillo, Kauffman’s embarked helicopter squadron (HSL 60) spotted suspicious packages in the water. The bales were recovered by grappling hook and brought on board Kauffman for examination. Once on board, the Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment identified the packages as cocaine and took custody of the cargo.
The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman is currently deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Martillo.
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Image: US Navy