A multinational counter-drug operation in the Caribbean has resulted in the seizure of 587 kilograms of cocaine and the detention of three people.

The operation involved the U.S. Joint Interagency Task Force South and authorities from the Dominican Republic and the Netherlands.

According to JIATF South, the operation began after a U.S. Coast Guard maritime patrol aircraft detected a suspicious go-fast vessel. U.S. forces continued tracking and coordinating the operation with support from the Coast Guard, U.S. Navy and additional patrol aircraft.

Aircraft from the Dominican Republic and the Netherlands later assisted in maintaining surveillance of the vessel as authorities sought to intercept it.

Dominican Republic forces ultimately took control of the operation’s final phase, intercepting the go-fast vessel and seizing 24 bales containing a reported 587 kilograms of cocaine. Three people aboard the vessel were detained.

Officials said maritime patrol aircraft provided about 21 hours of support during the operation.

JIATF South described the interdiction as one of the farthest offshore successful drug seizures carried out by Dominican Republic authorities in recent years.

The operation involved cooperation among JIATF South, the Dominican Republic’s National Directorate for Drug Control and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard.

Authorities said the operation demonstrated how intelligence sharing, aerial surveillance and coordination among countries can be used to disrupt maritime drug trafficking in the Caribbean.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: 587 Kilograms of Cocaine Seized in Caribbean Counter-Drug Operation.