Coast Guard, CBP Interdict Migrants, Suspected Smuggler, 67 Packages of Marijuana

Bales of marijuana interdicted on Aug. 1. The U.S. Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection also interdicted seven migrants and a suspected smuggler. U.S. Coast Guard

MIAMI — The U.S.
Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) interdicted seven
migrants, a suspected smuggler and 67 packages of marijuana on Aug. 1 about 7
miles east of Government Cut, according to the Coast Guard 7th District.

The CBP
intercepted an improperly lit 27-foot cabin cruiser about 7 miles east of
Government Cut and discovered five Jamaican adult male migrants, one Bahamian
male migrant, one Italian male migrant and one suspected Bahamian smuggler,
plus they seized 67 packages full of marijuana.

The Coast
Guard Cutter Robert Yered (WPC-1104) crew arrived on scene, embarked the
migrants and transferred them ashore to CBP.

“We commend
our CBP partners who prevented this illegal voyage from making landfall as well
as their close collaboration with the Robert Yered crew in safely removing all
the migrants from a dangerous situation,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Emily
Wilhite, watchstander at Coast Guard Sector Miami.

Whether
migrants attempt to illegally enter the United States via dangerously
overloaded, unseaworthy or otherwise unsafe vessels or through human smuggling
ventures, taking to the sea illegally is a hazardous risk to one’s life. The
Coast Guard will continue to work with our service’s partner law enforcement
agencies to ensure U.S. immigration laws are upheld, while also maintaining its
humanitarian responsibility to prevent the loss of life at sea.

Once aboard a Coast Guard
cutter, all migrants receive food, water, shelter and basic medical attention.