Port Canaveral-Based U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alert Brings Home Major Drug Bust

Coast Guard Cutter Alert Returns to Cape Canaveral After $18.4 Million Drug Bust

BREVARD COUNTY • PORT CANAVERAL, FLORIDA — The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alert returned to their home port in Cape Canaveral on Thursday following a 45-day counter-drug patrol that spanned the Windward Passage, Caribbean Sea, and Eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in the seizure of more than $18.4 million in illegal narcotics and the disruption of international drug-smuggling operations.

During the deployment, Alert’s crew intercepted a go-fast style vessel trafficking narcotics in the Windward Passage.

Coast Guard personnel seized approximately 2,250 pounds of cocaine valued at $18.4 million, along with seven pounds of marijuana worth about $7,000 and an illegal firearm. Four suspected smugglers were taken into custody and, along with the contraband and weapon, transferred to the government of The Bahamas for prosecution.

“I am immensely proud of my crew’s unwavering dedication,” said Cmdr. Mario Gil, commanding officer of Alert. “Time spent away from family and missed holidays represents a significant sacrifice, which makes their commitment to combating narco-terrorism and protecting our nation’s borders from illicit drugs all the more commendable, as demonstrated by the extraordinary success of this patrol.”

In addition to drug-interdiction operations, Alert supported Operation Vigilant Sentry while operating in the Coast Guard Southeast District area of responsibility. The cutter’s presence in waters near Haiti helped deter unsafe and illegal maritime migration.

While transiting the Panama Canal, the crew hosted U.S. Ambassador to Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera for a tour of the ship and discussions on current operations. The visit also included a meal prepared by Alert’s culinary specialists, highlighting the cutter’s hospitality and mission readiness.

The patrol also strengthened international partnerships. Eight members of Panama’s National Aeronaval Service (SENAN) and the Joint Maritime Force–Panama embarked aboard Alert for joint training and professional exchanges focused on counter-narcotics best practices. The crews conducted simulated interdictions and pursuit operations, supporting the Salas-Becker Complementary Agreement of 2002, which provides a framework for U.S.–Panama cooperation against drug trafficking by sea and air.

During a port visit in Golfito, Costa Rica, representatives from the Costa Rican Coast Guard toured the cutter and an embarked MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from the Coast Guard’s Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron based in Jacksonville. The visit helped enhance interoperability and regional counter-drug cooperation.

While operating in the Eastern Pacific Ocean under the Coast Guard Southwest District, Alert’s crew also conducted multiple boardings to verify and enforce international law at sea. In a milestone for many aboard, several crew members earned the title of “shellback” after crossing the equator — a maritime tradition marking a rare achievement in a sailor’s career.

The 210-foot Reliance-class medium endurance cutter Alert is homeported in Cape Canaveral and is tasked with counter-narcotics operations, alien interdiction, protection of living marine resources, and search and rescue missions throughout the Western Hemisphere.

Drug interdiction missions like this are coordinated through U.S. Southern Command’s Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S) in Key West, Florida, which detects and monitors the movement of illegal drugs. Once interdiction becomes imminent, the U.S. Coast Guard takes control of law-enforcement operations at sea, working through its Southeast and Southwest Districts to stop smuggling in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific regions.

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