U.S military operation “Hammer” nets $ 2 Billion worth of drugs, 105 tons cocaine, 7 tons Marijuana seized
In
one of the biggest counter narcotics mission “Operation Martilo
(hammer)”by United States Southern Command, it has intercepted an
estimated $ 2 billion worth of drugs in Central America since January
this year. The USSC has also seized 105 tons of Cocaine and seven tons
of Marijuana, 53 percent more than 2011.
The U.S. contribution to the multinational detection, monitoring and
interdiction operation includes U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels,
aircraft from U.S. federal law enforcement agencies, and military and
law enforcement units from various nations working together to deny
transnational criminal organizations the ability to exploit these
transshipment routes for the movement of narcotics, precursor chemicals,
bulk cash, and weapons along Central American shipping routes.
PUNTARENAS, Costa Rica (NNS) — USS Carr (FFG 52) offloaded 4,134 pounds of marijuana, worth 4 million dollars recovered during Countering Transnational Organized Crime (CTOC) operations in the U.S. 4th Fleet (C4F) area of responsibility in support of Operation Martillo, Sept. 17.
During a routine night patrol in the Western Caribbean, Carr’s embarked SH-60B helicopter spotted a small, fast moving surface contact. After closing to investigate, Carr’s helicopter observed a 25-foot twin-engine vessel jettisoning bales of drugs.
In a coordinated effort, Carr pursued the go-fast over 80 miles until the vessel entered Costa Rican territorial waters where the crew was apprehended by authorities.
Carr and U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement detachment personnel recovered contraband that was jettisoned from the go-fast. The estimated street value is in excess of $33 million.
In addition, Carr supported Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) by hosting four members of Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly along with members of the local media.
Insight Crime Analysis
Drug trafficking in Pacific and Atlantic waters around Central America has increased significantly in recent years, according to El Heraldo, with 946 incidents involving drug boats reported in 2011 compared to 333 in 2006. Before Operation Martillo began, Southcom commander Douglas Fraser estimated that 80 percent of drugs coming to the United States were trafficked through sea routes near the Central American isthmus.
The operation’s strategy, implemented primarily by the Joint Interagency Task Force under the US military’s Southern Command, has been to intercept these boats before they land in Central American countries where the cargo is divided and sent by land up the Pan-American Highway to the United States. The operation employs four frigates to police illegal movements with a network of radars, and in August began receiving support from some 170 marines deployed to southwest Guatemala as part of operation’s second phase.
RETALHULEU,
Guatemala – A UH-1N Huey helicopter aircrew takes off from the flight
line at Santa Elena, Petén ‘Base Aérea del Sur’, (Air Force Base South)
Aug. 23. Four UH-1N Huey helicopter crews form HMLA 467 are part of
Detachment Martillo of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South and are
participating in Operation Martillo. The detachment conducted a Mission
Rehearsal Exercise prior to operations beginning in Guatemala. (Official
U.S. Marine Corps photo//Released)
PUNTARENAS, Costa Rica (NNS) — USS Carr (FFG 52) offloaded 4,134 pounds of marijuana, worth 4 million dollars recovered during Countering Transnational Organized Crime (CTOC) operations in the U.S. 4th Fleet (C4F) area of responsibility in support of Operation Martillo, Sept. 17.
During a routine night patrol in the Western Caribbean, Carr’s embarked SH-60B helicopter spotted a small, fast moving surface contact. After closing to investigate, Carr’s helicopter observed a 25-foot twin-engine vessel jettisoning bales of drugs.
In a coordinated effort, Carr pursued the go-fast over 80 miles until the vessel entered Costa Rican territorial waters where the crew was apprehended by authorities.
Carr and U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement detachment personnel recovered contraband that was jettisoned from the go-fast. The estimated street value is in excess of $33 million.
In addition, Carr supported Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) by hosting four members of Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly along with members of the local media.
Insight Crime Analysis
Drug trafficking in Pacific and Atlantic waters around Central America has increased significantly in recent years, according to El Heraldo, with 946 incidents involving drug boats reported in 2011 compared to 333 in 2006. Before Operation Martillo began, Southcom commander Douglas Fraser estimated that 80 percent of drugs coming to the United States were trafficked through sea routes near the Central American isthmus.
The operation’s strategy, implemented primarily by the Joint Interagency Task Force under the US military’s Southern Command, has been to intercept these boats before they land in Central American countries where the cargo is divided and sent by land up the Pan-American Highway to the United States. The operation employs four frigates to police illegal movements with a network of radars, and in August began receiving support from some 170 marines deployed to southwest Guatemala as part of operation’s second phase.
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