Authored by Naveen Athrappully via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours),
U.S. forces seized approximately 2,500 pounds of cocaine and 105 pounds of marijuana in two separate maritime operations involving foreign nations.
In a recent operation, the Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) South and the Drug Enforcement Administration identified a drug runner from Colombia transporting narcotics. Forces from the Dominican Republic intercepted the vessel, while USS Billing secured the jettisoned cargo, as reported by JIATF South. This successful operation prevented around 326 kilograms of cocaine and 105 pounds of marijuana from reaching American communities.
Earlier in May, JIATF South announced that forces from Panama had intercepted a vessel near Colon under the task force’s guidance. Panamanian forces detained two smugglers and confiscated 799 kilograms of cocaine.
JIATF collaborates with member nations to monitor drug trafficking activities in maritime and air domains. The task force’s primary objective is to disrupt illicit narcotics shipments and dismantle transnational criminal organizations involved in these illegal activities.
In a separate incident, the United States Coast Guard, in conjunction with the United States Navy, intercepted a drug vessel off the coast of Haiti, seizing approximately 3,200 pounds of marijuana valued at $3.8 million. One individual was apprehended and handed over to Haitian authorities.
The Coast Guard emphasized the significance of maritime interdiction in combating the flow of illegal narcotics and safeguarding American communities from this dangerous threat.
“Interceptions of U.S.-bound drugs mostly occur at sea, highlighting the critical role of maritime interdiction in combating the illegal drug trade,” stated the Coast Guard.
“Efforts to detect and intercept illicit drug traffickers at sea require extensive interagency and international coordination.”
Health Impacts, Legal Actions
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the short-term effects of cocaine include elevated body temperature, increased heart rate, dilated pupils, constricted blood vessels, and heightened blood pressure. Users may experience paranoia, irritability, restlessness, muscle twitches, and dizziness.
Long-term cocaine use can result in damage to various organs, including reduced blood flow in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to tears and ulcerations. Chronic cocaine users often suffer from appetite loss, weight loss, malnourishment, and cardiovascular issues.
On the other hand, short-term effects of marijuana include anxiety, drowsiness, confusion, and impaired cognitive function. Long-term marijuana use may impact memory, intelligence, decision-making abilities, and lung health.
The Trump administration has pursued legal actions against drug traffickers, as evidenced by recent sentencing of individuals involved in international drug trafficking and money laundering operations.
In one case, two illegal immigrants and two convicted felons were sentenced to prison terms ranging from five years and five months to 15 years for their involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering activities.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated, “These individuals chose to poison our community and support narco-terrorists abroad, resulting in the forfeiture of their freedom.”
In another instance, a 26-year-old Mexican national residing illegally in Houston received a 12-year federal prison sentence for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.