Virginia-based Coast Guard cutter captures $87 million worth of cocaine

The Coast Guard Cutter Dependable returned to Virginia after 48 days at sea patrolling the Western Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean in the Coast Guard's efforts to fight international criminal networks.

The Coast Guard says the Dependable's 75-member crew confiscated more than 6,600 pounds of cocaine, worth approximately $87 million. The Colombian Navy and Costa Rican Coast Guard assisted the U.S. Coast Guard in the region.

More than 41,700 pounds of cocaine were seized in Eastern Pacific by the Coast Guard in November, a new record, officials said.

At nearly 50 years of age, the 210 foot Dependable and 26 other cutters are set to be retired and replaced by new cutter ships in 2021.