NORFOLK, Va. (CBSDC/AP) — A Virginia-based Navy ship has recovered about $26 million worth of cocaine that was thrown overboard by suspected drug smugglers in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

The Navy says the guided-missile frigate USS Carr recovered more than 700 pounds of cocaine on Oct. 11.

The Navy says a maritime patrol aircraft was sent to intercept a speed boat that was suspected of carrying the drugs. But during the pursuit the crew threw the drugs overboard and eventually escaped. The Carr then conducted a search to find the drugs.

The Carr is currently deployed in support of Operation Martillo, a multi-nation effort to target drug trafficking routes in coastal waters along the Central American isthmus.

This is the Carr’s final deployment. It is scheduled for decommissioning in March.

YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY

Customs: Woman Sets Record Swallowing 5 Pounds Of Heroin

Couple Accused Of Trying To Smuggle 5-Month-Old Son In Luggage At Airport

(TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)