Evergreen Reporter

The U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security have announced the seizure of 45,600 pounds of illicit narcotics in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, valued at over $517 million. This operation is one of 14 interdictions, with one case set for prosecution in the District of South Carolina.

On March 10, the USCGC Stone's Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) aircrew identified a suspect vessel approximately 234 miles southeast of the Galapagos Islands. Using airborne force tactics, they stopped the vessel, leading to the arrest of two suspected smugglers and the seizure of around 4,000 pounds of cocaine.

The suspects, Carlos Armando Cedeno and Jorge Augusto Mero Figueroa from Ecuador, were detained. Their case has been moved to South Carolina due to an ongoing international drug trafficking investigation by federal law enforcement in Charleston.

Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews stated: "We’re proud to partner with the Department of Homeland Security and the Coast Guard to combat transnational criminal organizations bringing dangerous narcotics into the U.S." He emphasized that this collaboration demonstrates effective interagency efforts in disrupting illicit narcotics flow and ensuring community safety.

Cedeno and Figueroa face charges including possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine on a vessel under U.S. jurisdiction and jettisoning property subject to forfeiture under federal drug laws. They could receive a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if convicted.

The investigation was led by the U.S. Coast Guard with contributions from its Investigative Service’s Transnational Organized Crime Division and Southeast Field Office in Miami, along with Homeland Security Investigations.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow will prosecute this case for South Carolina. It is important to note that all charges are accusations; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.