Drug-busting frigate heads back to Va.

Updated: Friday, 20 Jul 2012, 8:51 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 20 Jul 2012, 12:46 PM EDT

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - A guided-missile frigate has sailed back to Virginia after a six-month deployment that included the seizure of tons of marijuana and cocaine.

View WAVY's photo gallery of the homecoming here.

The Elrod is scheduled to return to Norfolk Naval Station on Friday after patrols combatting organized crime and drug trafficking along the coast of Central America.

The Navy told media outlets the crew conducted seven successful interdictions. The Elrod captured 13 people suspected of drug trafficking and seized more than 10,000 pounds of cocaine and 5,000 pounds of marijuana.

The drugs had a reported street value of more than $850 million.

The crew also rescued four people who were clinging to the bow of a sinking boat.

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