Arellano-Felix.

This is coolbert:

The arch villain, drug kingpin and all-around bad guy Arellano-Felix has been captured and is now in U.S. custody. This is a major victory. This guy has been snubbing his nose at U.S. and Mexican legal authorities for a long time. Was thought by some to be invincible.

This appears from the accounts to be a military victory.

A Coast Guard vessel apprehended the druggie and his cohorts fifteen miles out at sea. The villain was on a deep-sea fishing expedition with reputed assassins and bodyguards of his. Engaging in sporting activity that he was fond of. NO MORE!!

This whole operation to apprehend Arellano-Felix was supposedly in the making for three years??!! A tip off told the DEA that the wanted suspect was at sea. GO FOR HIM!! A good plan with a good end.

[I wonder how often plans of a similar nature have been so successful in the war against drugs? My intuition tells me seldom.]

And he WAS GOTTEN!!

I bet they had either Marines or SEALS on that Coast Guard vessel. Combat arms to support the Coast Guardsmen. These druggies carry a lot of weaponry and are always alert. That is in part how they have evaded authorities for a long time.

[I am not sure if the Coast Guard has Special Operations type personnel. At one time, Coast Guardsmen went UNARMED!!?? NOT NOW!! Whatever the case, when going after someone such as Arellano-Felix, having considerable firepower at your disposal would be A MUST!!]

Back in my day, forty years or so ago now, for the Coast Guard to engage in law enforcement activity of this nature was more or less unheard of. Totally. The Coast Guard was a popular alternative for those that had to do military service but wanted to avoid overseas or combat duty. The coast guard was seen as honorable and useful service for the nation, NOT combat arms. AND staying away from Vietnam. DUTY DONE STATESIDE!

This modern Coast Guard is NOT your father's Coast Guard!!

coolbert.