In a monumental operation, the U.S. Coast Guard set a new benchmark on Monday by offloading an unprecedented 76,000 pounds of confiscated narcotics at Port Everglades, Florida. The contraband, consisting of approximately 61,740 pounds of cocaine and 14,400 pounds of marijuana, is valued at an estimated street value of $473 million, marking the largest drug offload in the service's storied history.
This significant achievement stems from 19 meticulously coordinated operations spanning the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, conducted from late June to mid-August. These successful interdictions are a testament to the collaborative efforts of multiple Coast Guard cutters, aviation units, international allies, and federal and Department of Defense agencies, all united in their commitment to disrupt transnational drug trafficking networks.
Rear Adm. Adam Chamie, commander of the Coast Guard Southeast District, underscored the gravity of the operation. He stated, “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.” Chamie hailed the interdictions as a “significant victory in the fight against transnational criminal organizations.”
The operations were initiated following the detection of suspicious "go-fast" vessels near Ecuador by maritime patrol aircraft. Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) aircrews from the Cutter Hamilton, along with their boarding teams, were pivotal in intercepting these vessels and seizing thousands of pounds of cocaine. Subsequent operations targeted vessels near Venezuela, Mexico, Jamaica, Curacao, and other locations, with each interdiction yielding hundreds to thousands of pounds of narcotics.
The crew of the Hamilton also detained 34 individuals suspected of drug trafficking. Capt. John B. McWhite, the ship’s commanding officer, lauded the teamwork that underpinned the operation's success, highlighting the combined efforts of U.S. and international personnel in protecting Americans from illicit narcotics. “The commitment and sacrifice of our deployed service members and their families, who forego time together for the protection of our Nation, are to be celebrated,” he remarked.
The dedication of these service members was evident throughout the operation, with additional Coast Guard cutters such as the Vigilant and Diligence contributing to the mission. They were supported by international partners including the USS Cole, USS Minneapolis Saint-Paul, and the Royal Netherlands Navy ship HNLMS Friesland. U.S. Customs and Border Protection aircrews played a crucial role in spotting and tracking vessels during the operations.
The financial impact of these seizures on criminal enterprises is significant, stripping them of over half a billion dollars in potential revenue. Moreover, the interdictions have provided valuable evidence for ongoing investigations, such as those conducted by the Panama Express Strike Force under Operation Take Back America.
High-seas drug interceptions are an essential component in the United States' strategy to curb the influx of cocaine, marijuana, and fentanyl. The Coast Guard is determined to continue and intensify these counter-drug efforts, aiming to dismantle transshipment networks before narcotics can reach U.S. streets. The Hamilton, a Legend-class national security cutter homeported in Charleston, South Carolina, is at the forefront of these multi-agency missions, offering unparalleled air, sea, and boarding capabilities to enforce maritime law.
These operations are crucial in protecting communities and reducing the flow of illegal drugs into the country. The combined efforts of cutters, aircrews, and international partners emphasize the increasing relevance of maritime security in the battle against narcotics entering the United States.
