The US Coast Guard along with the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detained seven migrants, a suspected smuggler and 67 packages of marijuana on Thursday, August 1, about 7 miles off Government Cut.
The Coast Guard Cutter Robert Yered (WPC-1104) crew arrived in the area of the incident, embarked the migrants and transferred them ashore to CBP.
Specifically, the CBP intercepted a 27-foot cabin, that was improperly lit, and found five Jamaican adult male migrants, one Bahamian male migrant, one Italian male migrant and one suspected Bahamian smuggler, plus they seized 67 packages full of marijuana.
Petty Officer 1st Class Emily Wilhite, watchstander at Coast Guard Sector Miami commented
We commend our CBP partners who prevented this illegal voyage from making landfall, as well as, their close collaboration with the Robert Yered crew in safely removing all the migrants from a dangerous situation.
He continued that the USCG along with the Department of Homeland Security components and local enforcement authorities will continue boost maritime safety and patrol the Caribbean Basin and Florida Straits to stem the flow of maritime smuggling.
Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants receive food, water, shelter, and basic medical attention.
Overall, the USCG has many time intercepted smuggles transmitting illegal drugs in its territorial waters. In late July, the USCG found 2,300 pounds of cocaine, which the suspects were seen throwing some of their cargo in the sea. Another incident took place in June, when the USCG was chasing a narco sub and USCG members managed to jump onboard the illegal vessel and detain it.
