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USS Curts Offloads Largest Drug Seizure in History

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS041112-01
Release Date: 11/12/2004 6:51:00 AM

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Public Affairs

KEY WEST, Fla. (NNS) -- USS Curts (FFG 38) offloaded and turned over to authorities 75,000 pounds of cocaine Nov. 5 in Key West, Fla.

The multi-ton shipment, valued at more than $2.3 billion, is the result of five drug interdiction operations conducted in the Eastern Pacific between Aug. 31 and Sept. 26.

Curts directly supported three of the interdictions, totaling more than 44,000 pounds. One of Curts' interdictions, conducted Sept. 17, yielded 30,000 pounds, the largest seizure in the history of counter-drug operations.

"I was not surprised by the superb performance of Curts, and I could not be more proud of this ship and its crew," said Cmdr. Luis Boticario, Curts commanding officer. "These Sailors have always adapted to short-notice operational requirements and demonstrated an uncanny determination to complete the mission."

The remaining 31,000 pounds of narcotics included in the offload were seized in two different operations: one conducted by USS Crommelin (FFG 37) with a LEDET (Law Enforcement Detachment), and another by USCGC Jarvis (WHEC 725).

All of these cases were made possible by intelligence developed by the investigative team of Operation Panama Express, which includes the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida, FBI, DEA, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. In addition, each interdiction was made possible by the professional mission execution of P-3 Orion and C-130 long-range maritime patrol aircraft operated by Homeland Security Air and Marine Operations, the Navy and the Coast Guard.