Coast Guard Offloads Record-Breaking Drug Seizure In South Florida

PORT EVERGLADES,  Florida – The U.S. Coast Guard offloaded over 76,140 pounds of illicit narcotics at Port Everglades on Monday, marking the largest drug offload in the agency’s history. The seizure, valued at an estimated $473 million, includes approximately 61,740 pounds of cocaine and 14,400 pounds of marijuana, stemming from 19 interdictions in the international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

The operation, led by the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton, involved coordinated efforts with other Coast Guard cutters such as Vigilant and Diligence, as well as allied vessels including the Royal Netherlands Navy ship HNLMS Friesland, USS Cole, and USS Minneapolis Saint-Paul. Specialized units like the Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) in Jacksonville, Tactical Law Enforcement Teams Pacific and South, and various Law Enforcement Detachments played crucial roles in the interdictions.

“The U.S. Coast Guard in partnership with our federal, DoD, and international partners are offloading 61,740 pounds of cocaine, and this represents a significant victory in the fight against transnational criminal organizations, highlighting our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation from illicit trafficking and its devastating impacts,” said Rear Adm. Adam Chamie, Coast Guard Southeast District commander.

“To put this into perspective, the potential 23 million lethal doses of cocaine seized by the U.S. Coast Guard and our partners, are enough to fatally overdose the entire population of the state of Florida, underscoring the immense threat posed by transnational drug trafficking to our nation.”

A Coast Guard crew member secures bundles of confiscated drugs with plastic wrap during the offload process. Credit: USCG

This record-breaking seizure not only disrupts the flow of drugs but also denies criminal cartels over half a billion dollars in revenue. It provides vital evidence and intelligence for ongoing investigations under Operation Take Back America and supports broader efforts like Operation Pacific Viper to counter drug trafficking from South America.

Officials address the media during a press conference beside stacks of seized narcotics, with the Cutter Hamilton in the background. Credit: USCG

The interdictions highlight advanced tactics, including “title shifts” that leverage Coast Guard authority under Title 14 to board vessels using allied naval assets, enhancing detection and seizure capabilities in high-seas operations.

A suspected smuggling vessel, loaded with bales of narcotics, intercepted in rough seas by Coast Guard forces. Credit: USCG