Navy ship stops drug haul off San Diego coast

A San Diego Navy ship saw unexpected action off the coast of Southern California on Saturday morning when it intercepted 1,800 lbs. of suspected drugs, officials said.

The New Orleans, an amphibious ship whose usual job is carrying Marines on deployment, was out on training exercises when it was diverted to help a 20-foot Mexican fishing boat that had been reported as looking disabled.

Sailors from the Navy ship New Orleans delivered to the Coast Guard an estimated 1,800 lbs. of suspected marijuana seized from a Mexican vessel off the coast of San Diego. — U.S. Navy

(The Coast Guard was otherwise occupied rescuing eight fishermen from a boat sinking off Point Loma. That story is here.)

As the Navy amphib approached, it got reports that the Mexican boat’s crew was dumping contraband overboard, officials said Monday.

So the New Orleans put about 20 sailors and two rigid-hull inflatable boats in the water to recover the floating objects, with help from a Navy MH-60 helicopter flying overhead.

A U.S. official said the substance is suspected to be marijuana.

Sailors from the Navy ship New Orleans delivered to the Coast Guard an estimated 1,800 lbs. of suspected marijuana seized from a Mexican vessel off the coast of San Diego. — U.S. Navy

The Mexican Navy took custody of the fishing boat crew. The Navy handed the suspected contraband to the U.S. Coast Guard, which is investigating the incident, according to the Navy’s Third Fleet.

The New Orleans is one of three ships in the Makin Island amphibious ready group, which is preparing for an upcoming deployment.

The Makin Island launched one of its Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 aircraft to assist in the capture.

The 87-foot Coast Guard patrol boat Petrel, also from San Diego, participated, as well.

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