The United States Coast Guard is reporting that its crew has seized 5,600 pounds of illicit drugs following a 29-day patrol in the Central Caribbean and Florida Straits.

The U.S Coast Guard in a statement on Tuesday, October 24, stated that during the patrol, the U.S Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant crew also interdicted five drug-smuggling vessels and apprehended eight suspected traffickers contributing to the coast guard’s objectives to combat transnational criminal organisations.

“I’m extremely proud of our crew and the important lifesaving and critical counter-narcotic missions that we were able to perform on this patrol,” said Commander Jon Potterton, the commanding officer of Vigilant.

“It was excellent that we were able to strengthen our domestic and international partnerships and work together to make the world a safer place,” he added.

The drug seizure was the result of a joint effort from other coast guard cutters, Department of Defence, Department of Homeland Security units and other international partners.

“In addition, Vigilant rescued 12 Cuban migrants in an unseaworthy vessel 120 nautical miles south of Cuba. Once aboard Vigilant, the crew provided the migrants with food, water, shelter, and medical aid until they were repatriated,” the U.S. Coast Guard said.