37 Facts About Operation Red Dog

What Was Operation Red Dog?

Operation Red Dog was a bizarre and ill-fated attempt to overthrow the government of Dominica in 1981. This plot, hatched by a group of American and Canadian white supremacists, aimed to establish a new regime on the Caribbean island. Here are some fascinating facts about this strange episode in history.

1. The operation was also known as the "Bayou of Pigs," a play on the failed Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba.
2. The plotters planned to use Dominica as a base for drug trafficking and other illegal activities.
3. The mastermind behind the operation was Mike Perdue, a Texas-based white supremacist.
4. Perdue recruited Don Black, a former Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard, to join the plot.
5. The group also included Wolfgang Droege, a Canadian neo-Nazi.
6. The conspirators believed that Dominica's Prime Minister, Eugenia Charles, would be an easy target due to the island's small size and limited military resources.
7. The plotters intended to install Patrick John, a former Prime Minister of Dominica, as the new leader.
8. John had been ousted from power in 1979 and was eager to regain control.
9. The group planned to finance the coup with money from drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
10. They also hoped to attract support from other far-right groups and individuals.

The Plot Unfolds

The conspirators' plan involved assembling a small force of mercenaries and weapons to launch the coup. However, their amateurish approach and lack of secrecy led to their downfall.

11. The group planned to sail from New Orleans to Dominica in a rented boat.
12. They intended to bring a cache of weapons, including machine guns, rifles, and grenades.
13. The plotters believed that they could easily overpower Dominica's small police force and take control of the island.
14. They hoped to gain support from local Dominicans who were dissatisfied with the current government.
15. The conspirators also planned to recruit mercenaries from other countries to bolster their forces.
16. They believed that once they had control of Dominica, they could use it as a base for further operations in the Caribbean.
17. The group even had plans to establish a casino and other businesses on the island to generate revenue.
18. They hoped that their success in Dominica would inspire other far-right groups to launch similar coups in other countries.

The Plot Fails

Despite their grand ambitions, the conspirators' lack of experience and poor planning led to their undoing. Their plot was exposed before they could even set sail.

19. The FBI became aware of the plot through an informant within the group.
20. The informant, who had been approached to join the plot, tipped off the authorities.
21. The FBI launched an investigation, codenamed "Operation Red Dog," to gather evidence against the conspirators.
22. The plotters were arrested on April 27, 1981, as they prepared to set sail from New Orleans.
23. The FBI seized a cache of weapons and other equipment intended for the coup.
24. The conspirators were charged with violating the Neutrality Act, which prohibits American citizens from engaging in military actions against foreign governments.
25. Mike Perdue and Don Black were among those arrested and charged.
26. Patrick John, the former Prime Minister of Dominica, was also implicated in the plot.
27. The plotters faced significant prison sentences if convicted.

The Aftermath

The failed coup had far-reaching consequences for those involved and highlighted the dangers of extremist ideologies.

28. Mike Perdue was sentenced to three years in prison for his role in the plot.
29. Don Black received a three-year prison sentence as well.
30. Wolfgang Droege was deported to Canada, where he continued his involvement in far-right activities.
31. Patrick John was convicted in Dominica and sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in the plot.
32. The failed coup brought international attention to the threat posed by white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups.
33. The FBI's successful intervention in Operation Red Dog demonstrated the importance of intelligence and law enforcement cooperation in preventing extremist violence.
34. The plotters' amateurish approach and lack of secrecy served as a cautionary tale for other would-be revolutionaries.
35. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of small nations to external threats and the importance of international cooperation in maintaining stability.
36. Operation Red Dog remains a bizarre and little-known episode in the history of political extremism.
37. The plot serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by extremist ideologies and the importance of vigilance in protecting democratic institutions.

Lessons from Operation Red Dog

Operation Red Dog, also known as the Bayou of Pigs, serves as a stark reminder of how bizarre and audacious real-life events can be. This failed coup attempt in 1981, aimed at overthrowing the government of Dominica, involved a motley crew of mercenaries, white supremacists, and adventurers. Their plan unraveled thanks to a tip-off to the FBI, leading to arrests and convictions.

The operation highlights the importance of vigilance and intelligence in thwarting illegal activities. It also underscores the unpredictable nature of human ambition and folly. While the plotters faced justice, their story remains a curious chapter in history, illustrating how truth can be stranger than fiction.

Understanding such events helps us appreciate the complexities of global politics and the lengths some will go to achieve their goals. Operation Red Dog is a testament to the unpredictable and often surreal nature of human endeavors.