Dominican National Dies After U.S. Coast Guard Fires on Fleeing Cocaine Smuggling Boat

The incident occurred in the Caribbean Sea during a counter-drug patrol, leading to the seizure of $11 million worth of cocaine and the arrest of two other suspected smugglers.

• The U.S. Coast Guard reports a Dominican national died after the Coast Guard fired at a fleeing boat carrying $11 million worth of cocaine in the Caribbean Sea.
• The incident occurred on January 1, when the Coast Guard, deployed aboard a U.S. Navy ship, identified a vessel suspected of smuggling narcotics and attempted to stop it.
• The vessel failed to stop, leading the Coast Guard to authorize the use of force, including warning shots and disabling fire.
• Upon boarding the vessel, authorities discovered one crew member had been injured. Despite receiving first aid and being medically evacuated to the Dominican Republic, the individual later died from their injuries.
• Two other suspected smugglers were arrested, and 385 kilograms (850 pounds) of cocaine were seized from the boat.

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