PORTSMOUTH, Va. - The Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane returned to its homeport in Portsmouth after a 71-day counter-drug patrol that interdicted at least $40 million of illegal drugs.
The Harriet Lane crew, along with the Colombian Navy, seized 980 kilograms of cocaine and 1,600 pounds of marijuana from two vessels suspected of illicit drug smuggling.
Harriet Lane also detained seven suspected drug smugglers. The seven detainees, as well as 10 more suspected drug smugglers and $206 million of illicit drugs, were transferred to Port Everglades, Florida to partner agencies for prosecution.
Between operational tasking, the crew completed aviation, damage control, seamanship and navigation training to maintain operational readiness and prepare for future multi-mission deployments.
“I could not be more proud of the crew of Harriet Lane for their perseverance and operational success amid the continued pandemic,” said Cmdr. Dorothy Hernaez, commanding officer of the Harriet Lane. “The crew flawlessly executed COVID-19 mitigation protocols leading up to and during the deployment to remain healthy and operationally ready throughout. The success we had during this deployment would not have been possible without the continued support of our families and friends, who we are looking forward to seeing again upon our return to port.”
