Who:
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Mr. Joseph Hathaway, assistant special agent in charge of the San Diego Field Office for the DEA, is instrumental in drug enforcement activities in the region.
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Mr. Kevin Murphy, deputy special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in the San Diego Field Office, plays a vital role in combating transnational crime.
What: The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro is set to offload an astounding 29,000 pounds of cocaine, with a staggering street value exceeding $335.8 million.
When: The offloading event is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
Where: The operation will take place at Broadway Pier, located in San Diego, CA 92101.
*Media representatives intending to attend this significant event should arrive by 10 a.m., equipped with media credentials, a valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance coverage. For coordination, please reach out via phone at +1 (510) 316-4586 or email the Coast Guard District 11 public affairs team at [email protected] to RSVP.
SAN DIEGO — In a significant operation, the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Munro (WMSL 755) is poised to offload over 29,000 pounds of seized cocaine, valued at approximately 335.8 million dollars, this Tuesday in the bustling city of San Diego.
This impressive offloading effort is the culmination of nine separate interdiction events targeting suspected drug smuggling vessels, executed off the coasts of Mexico and both Central and South America by the combined forces of the Coast Guard Cutters Munro, Vigorous, Hamilton, and the USS St. Louis during September and October.
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro stands as the sixth vessel in the esteemed Legend Class National Security Cutter fleet and is permanently stationed in Alameda, California. Its formidable crew operates in some of the most perilous open ocean environments, notably within the treacherous fisheries of the North Pacific and the extensive waters of the Southern Pacific, areas notorious for significant narcotics trafficking activities.
What is the significance of the 29,000 pounds of cocaine being offloaded from the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro?
**Interview with Mr. Joseph Hathaway and Mr. Kevin Murphy**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, gentlemen! Thanks for joining us today to discuss the significant offloading event scheduled for this Tuesday. Let’s dive right in. Mr. Hathaway, can you tell us more about the operation involving the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro?
**Mr. Joseph Hathaway:** Good afternoon! Absolutely. The Coast Guard Cutter Munro will be offloading an incredible 29,000 pounds of cocaine, seized in various operations. This load has a staggering street value exceeding $335.8 million, which highlights the scale of drug trafficking in our region.
**Editor:** That’s an eye-popping amount, indeed. Mr. Murphy, how does this operation tie into the efforts of Homeland Security Investigations?
**Mr. Kevin Murphy:** Thanks for having us. This operation is part of a larger, multifaceted approach to combating transnational crime. By collaborating with our partners in the Coast Guard and the DEA, we’re able to dismantle these drug trafficking organizations and significantly disrupt their operations.
**Editor:** Collaboration seems crucial in these situations. Mr. Hathaway, what impact do you believe this operation will have on drug trafficking in San Diego and beyond?
**Mr. Joseph Hathaway:** It’s significant. Each large seizure disrupts the supply chain and sends a strong message to traffickers. It deters their operations and makes it clear that we’re committed to enforcing drug laws and keeping our communities safe.
**Editor:** Mr. Murphy, can you speak to the ongoing challenges your teams face in combating drug-related crime?
**Mr. Kevin Murphy:** Certainly. The challenges are numerous—ranging from the ingenuity of traffickers to the sheer volume of substances entering our borders. However, we remain vigilant and adapt our strategies to tackle these evolving threats effectively.
**Editor:** Thank you both for your insights. Before we wrap up, could you remind our viewers when and where the offloading will take place?
**Mr. Joseph Hathaway:** Yes! The offloading event is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the San Diego Field Office.
**Editor:** Thank you for that information. We appreciate the work you both do in keeping our communities safe.
**Mr. Kevin Murphy:** Thank you for having us!
**Mr. Joseph Hathaway:** Thank you!
