$509 Million in Drugs Seized by Coast Guard at Port Everglades – What You Need to Know

In a dramatic operation that highlights the ongoing battle against international drug trafficking, the U.S. Coast Guard successfully offloaded over 48,400 pounds of illicit narcotics, valued at more than $509 million, at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale today. This substantial drug haul is part of a series of recent successes in the Coast Guard’s ongoing efforts to disrupt drug cartels operating along the U.S. coastline.

The confiscated drugs included nearly 45,000 pounds of uncut cocaine and about 3,800 pounds of marijuana, all intercepted during 13 separate operations in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The seizures were made by the crews of two U.S. Coast Guard cutters, James and Mohawk, which had been working to dismantle drug trafficking routes tied to notorious Mexican cartels like the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel.

A Significant Blow to Drug Trafficking

The drugs, which were intercepted over several months, were being transported by vessels with known links to these criminal organizations. These cartels have been a significant focus for U.S. law enforcement due to their ties to the increasing problem of drug overdoses in America. As U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated during the offloading ceremony, “These drugs, worth over half a billion dollars, represent a huge victory in the fight against narcotics smuggling and the deadly toll it takes on our communities.”

In total, the confiscated drugs would have caused immeasurable damage to American lives had they made it into the streets. The U.S. Coast Guard’s relentless pursuit of these traffickers is a key factor in reducing the supply of dangerous substances entering the United States.

A Collaborative Effort to Protect the Nation

The Coast Guard’s efforts, supported by federal agencies like the FBI, are part of an integrated strategy aimed at eliminating drug smuggling operations. FBI Director Kash Patel spoke about the national security threat posed by these drug cartels, pointing out that the cartels’ activities are directly linked to a significant number of overdose deaths in the U.S. “These foreign terrorist organizations are responsible for an overdose death every seven minutes in America,” Patel remarked.

Vice Admiral Nathan Moore, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Atlantic Area, sent a strong message to the cartels: “We own the sea; you do not. We will find you. We will hunt you down. We will stop you!”

The Technology Behind the Seizures

The operation was no small feat. The Coast Guard utilized a combination of ships, aircraft, and drones to track and intercept these trafficking vessels off the coasts of Peru, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands. The teamwork and technology employed in this operation are vital in keeping U.S. shores safe from the threat of illegal narcotics.

This successful seizure is part of a growing list of drug busts by the U.S. Coast Guard. In fact, just last month, the Coast Guard offloaded nearly 46,000 pounds of illegal drugs at Port Everglades. Last year, they seized around 34,000 pounds of cocaine, valued at $468 million. These operations demonstrate the ongoing commitment of U.S. law enforcement to fighting drug smuggling and preventing its devastating impact on American communities.

Conclusion: A Major Victory in the War on Drugs

The U.S. Coast Guard’s offloading of over $509 million worth of drugs is a clear sign of the ongoing fight against powerful cartels. With continued effort and collaboration among federal agencies, the goal is to dismantle the financial infrastructure of these organizations and protect citizens from the deadly consequences of illicit drugs.