Operation Helmed by Task Force 51/5 Uncovers Major Maritime Narcotics Bust

A significant drug bust has been executed by the boarding team supporting Task Force (TF) 51/5, as they uncovered and confiscated a staggering 5,316.1 kilograms of hashish, 181.4 kilograms of heroin, and 1.3 kilograms of methamphetamine from a vessel in the region. The narcotics, which carry an estimated market value of $4.6 million, were meticulously documented and disposed of following the seizure.

This operation was bolstered by the support of Glen Harris, one of six U.S. Coast Guard Fast Response Cutters dedicated to maritime security operations in the area. Under the tactical control of TF 55, Glen Harris contributes to ongoing efforts to disrupt illicit activities at sea.

Brig. Gen. Stephen J. Lightfoot of the U.S. Marine Corps, commanding general of TF 51/5, emphasized the importance of such operations. “These efforts maintain freedom of the seas and exemplify our collaboration with partner nations,” Lightfoot remarked. “The teamwork among our Coast Guardsmen, Marines, and Sailors is exceptional, and we are actively preventing narcotics from causing harm.”

U.S. Navy Capt. Patrick Murphy, commodore of TF 55, highlighted the versatility of the U.S. Coast Guard in these missions. “The Coast Guard’s expertise and adaptability are crucial to the wide array of operations we undertake,” Murphy stated. Glen Harris is stationed in Bahrain as a component of the Patrol Forces Southwest Asia, enhancing maritime security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Task Force 51/5 plays a critical role in executing operations, responding to emergencies, and engaging in theater security cooperation both at sea and ashore, aligning with the objectives of U.S. Central Command and Marine Forces, Central Command. These coordinated actions are pivotal in managing regional security and combatting unlawful activities at sea.