The guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59) along with the U.S. Coast Guard, intercepted a large quantity of cocaine and detained three suspected narcotic-traffickers in international waters of the Eastern Pacific, June 4.

The team estimated the wholesale value of the 582 kilograms of cocaine to approximately $11.6 million.

The suspected smuggling vessel was spotted during a routine patrol of Eastern Pacific international waters in support of Operation Martillo. Kauffman's embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment boarded the vessel and seized the illicit cargo.

Kauffman took custody of the three crew members and recovered the illicit cargo, some of which was jettisoned overboard before the team boarded the vessel.

"This was a great effort put forth by everyone aboard in collaboration with all of the assets supporting this mission," said Cmdr. Michael Concannon, commanding officer of USS Kauffman. "The work done to stem the flow of narcotics into the United States is a true team effort."

The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman is currently deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Martillo.

Operation Martillo, a joint, international law enforcement operation involving the U.S., European and Western Hemisphere partner nations, targets illicit trafficking routes in the waters off Central America.

Overall coordination of counter-drug patrols and surveillance in the Eastern Pacific is done by Joint Interagency Task Force South headquartered in Key West, Florida. U.S. maritime law enforcement and the interdiction phase of operations in the region occur under the tactical control of the 11th Coast Guard District headquartered in Alameda, California.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet support U.S. Southern Command's joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.