FLORIDA, United States, CMC – The United States Coast Guard says the Cutter Vigilant seized 5,600 pounds of illicit drugs and apprehended eight suspected drug traffickers during a 29-day patrol in the Caribbean Sea.

The Coast Guard said that the Vigilant worked alongside other cutters, Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security units, and international partners to conduct counter-drug operations.

“Vigilant interdicted five drug-smuggling vessels and apprehended eight suspected traffickers, contributing directly to US Coast Guard objectives to combat transnational criminal organisations,” the US Coast Guard said, adding that the operations “strengthened ties with international partners and promoted regional stability and security”.

In addition, the US Coast Guard said Vigilant rescued 12 Cuban migrants in a vessel 120 nautical miles south of Cuba.

“I’m extremely proud of our crew and the important lifesaving and critical counter-narcotic missions that we were able to perform on this patrol,” said Jon Potterton, the commanding officer of Vigilant.

“It was excellent that we were able to strengthen our domestic and international partnerships and work together to make the world a safer place,” Potterton added.