| Office of Public Affairs U.S. Coast Guard |
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| Press Release |
Date: March 7, 2007
Contact: Steve Blando |
COAST GUARD SETS COCAINE REMOVAL MARK FOR 1ST QUARTER OF FISCAL YEAR
WASHINGTON - The Coast Guard announced today it set a cocaine interdiction record for the first quarter of a fiscal year, removing 97,635 pounds of the drug between Oct. 1, 2006, and Jan.1, 2007, eclipsing the previous high of 76,925 pounds, set during the first quarter of fiscal 2006.
"The U.S. Coast Guard is committed to protecting our citizens from all threats in the maritime environment," said Rear Adm. Wayne Justice, the Coast Guard's assistant commandant for response. "These numbers indicate that we are still on the beat stopping the flow of illegal narcotics into this country."
Still images and video of a recent cocaine seizure are available to interested media. The images were taken during an interdiction operation conducted by the Coast Guard cutter Sherman. Media may also schedule an interview with the commanding officer of the Sherman, Capt. Charley Diaz, who is still underway with the vessel. Please contact Lt. Cmdr. Glynn Smith of the Coast Guard's Pacific Area public affairs office to arrange an interview. He can be reached at (510) 437-3319.
The United States Coast Guard is the lead agency for maritime law enforcement and conducts drug interdiction operations on, under and over assigned international waters and waters subject to United States jurisdiction.
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The U.S. Coast Guard is a military, maritime, multi-mission service within the
Department of Homeland Security dedicated to protecting the safety and security of America.
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