U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro crewmembers interdicted a suspected drug-smuggling self-propelled, semi-submersible (SPSS) vessel on June 18, 2019, and the encounter was caught on video.
One of the Coast Guardsmen jumped onto the moving vessel and banged on the hatch so whoever was inside would open up.
Watch the action here:
The incident took place in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
“Purpose-build smuggling vessels like SPSSs [self-propelled, semi-submersibles] are designed to hold large quantities of contraband while evading detection by law enforcement authorities,” the Coast Guard said.
President Trump tweeted about the video on July 12, a day after its release, saying: “Do you believe this kind of bravery? Amazing drug seizure. WATCH!”
Do you believe this kind of bravery? Amazing drug seizure. WATCH! https://t.co/M1KKBFic4A
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 12, 2019
The Munro returned from a three-month deployment, during which it made 14 drug seizures totaling 39,000 pounds of cocaine and 933 pounds of marijuana, with a combined worth of $569 million, according to the Coast Guard.
From the sub depicted in the video, the Munro seized 16,000 pounds of cocaine alone – its biggest single bust in the three-month period.
Vice President Mike Pence welcomed the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, Calif. where it offloaded the seized drugs.
Pence said the efforts “will lead to the prosecution of 55 alleged smugglers,” adding, “That is a remarkable record of success.”
