PORT EVERGLADES, FLORIDA – The U.S. Coast Guard has announced its largest-ever drug offload from a single campaign, bringing ashore a staggering 76,000 pounds (approximately 38 tons) of illegal narcotics seized from multiple interdictions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The massive haul, consisting of 61,740 pounds of cocaine and 14,400 pounds of marijuana, represents a significant victory in the ongoing battle against transnational criminal organizations.
The drugs, with an estimated street value of over $1.4 billion, were meticulously stacked in bales on the deck of the Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL-754) at Port Everglades, providing a dramatic visual of the scale of the operation. The seizure is the result of a coordinated, multi-agency effort involving numerous U.S. Coast Guard cutters, U.S. Navy vessels, and international partners operating in known drug transit zones off the coasts of Central and South America.
A Coordinated Campaign
High-ranking officials, including the Commandant of the Coast Guard and representatives from the Department of Justice and other federal agencies, were present at the offloading event to commend the crews and highlight the importance of the mission.
"This offload today is not just the result of one ship's crew, but the combined efforts of multiple cutters, aircraft, and tactical units operating as one team to deny criminal organizations the profits of their illicit trade," stated the Coast Guard Commandant. "Every bale of cocaine on this deck represents a shipment that will not poison our communities, and every dollar seized is a dollar taken out of the hands of violent cartels."
The operation involved a series of complex at-sea interdictions over several months. Coast Guard crews, often operating in challenging sea conditions, successfully intercepted and boarded numerous smuggling vessels. These included go-fast boats, low-profile vessels designed to evade radar, and even self-propelled semi-submersibles (SPSS), which are notoriously difficult to detect.
Disrupting a Criminal Enterprise
This record-breaking seizure underscores the scale of the maritime drug smuggling problem and the critical role the U.S. Coast Guard plays in national and international security. The cocaine and marijuana were destined for the United States and other countries, where they would have fueled crime, addiction, and violence.
Officials emphasized that the mission's success extends beyond just seizing the drugs. The operations also gather crucial intelligence on smuggling routes, criminal networks, and trafficking methods, which is vital for future law enforcement efforts. The arrests made in connection with these seizures will be prosecuted by the Department of Justice in various U.S. federal courts.
The offload from the Coast Guard Cutter James and its partner vessels is a testament to the dedication and bravery of the service members who patrol the high seas, often for months at a time, to protect the nation's maritime borders and dismantle the networks that threaten global stability.
