The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS 21), in coordination with the Coast Guard and joint partners, stopped two alleged drug smuggling operations in the Caribbean Sea, according to a news release.

The two busts resulted in the confiscation of 1,278.9 pounds of cocaine worth $9,463,860, and 2,480 pounds of marijuana worth $2,807,360.

“The USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul executed their duties seamlessly in the combined effort to protect the homeland from illicit maritime trafficking,” said Rear Adam. Carlos Sardiello, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet. “Working in coordination with the Coast Guard and our joint partners, we look forward to seeing continued measurable impact delivered by the professional and talented crew of the USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul across the region.”

Within a 72-hour span, Minneapolis-Saint Paul, with an embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 50, Detachment Three, made the two busts and took out vessels through a combination of air and surface operations.

“We train diligently and stand ready to execute interdiction missions at moment’s notice, said Cmdr. Steven Fresse, Minneapolis-Saint Paul commanding officer. “To be able to make an immediate impact so early on during our maiden deployment is a testament to the hard work and skills of the ship’s crew.”

Minneapolis-Saint Paul departed Naval Station Mayport, Fla., on March 26 with its partners from the Coast Guard and HSM 50 for the ship’s maiden deployment to support counter-illicit drug trafficking in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations.

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