The U.S. Coast Guard offloaded more than 76,000 pounds of cocaine and marijuana at Port Everglades, Florida, on Monday, marking one of the largest drug seizures in its history. The narcotics, valued at roughly $1.8 billion, were confiscated during multiple counter-narcotics operations across the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean over the past several months.
The operation was led by the Coast Guard Cutter James and supported by U.S. Navy vessels, international partners, and law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Officials said the seizures were part of a coordinated effort to disrupt transnational criminal organizations operating maritime smuggling routes.
“This record-breaking offload represents not only the hard work of the men and women of the Coast Guard but also the strength of our partnerships across the region,” said Vice Adm. Kevin Lunday, commander of the Coast Guard Atlantic Area.
How the operation unfolded
The drugs were seized during more than a dozen interdictions carried out over the summer. Coast Guard officials said traffickers often use “go-fast” boats, semi-submersible vessels, and even fishing boats to transport narcotics across international waters. Many of these vessels were intercepted following intelligence-sharing agreements with partner nations in Latin America.
The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which oversees military operations in the region, said the mission underscores the importance of multinational cooperation. “This effort demonstrates how joint forces, along with our partners, can deliver a serious blow to the networks that fuel violence and instability in the Americas,” a SOUTHCOM spokesperson said.
Broader impact of the drug trade
Officials say drug cartels continue to adapt, often shifting smuggling routes in response to enforcement crackdowns. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the U.S. remains the world’s largest consumer market for cocaine, making it a lucrative destination for traffickers.
The Coast Guard estimates that for every shipment it intercepts, several others may slip through, reflecting the scale of the challenge. Still, seizures like this one are considered a vital tool for weakening criminal organizations that profit from the drug trade.
Vice Adm. Lunday emphasized that such operations not only stop drugs from entering U.S. communities but also help reduce cartel funding. “Every ton we take off the water denies these organizations millions of dollars that would otherwise fund violence and corruption,” he said.
Political and security dimensions
The record-breaking seizure comes at a time when U.S. officials are intensifying calls for enhanced border and maritime security. The Biden administration has emphasized drug interdiction as part of its broader strategy to combat fentanyl and other narcotics contributing to the U.S. overdose crisis.
Lawmakers in Florida praised the Coast Guard’s efforts. Gov. Ron DeSantis said the operation highlighted “the critical role Florida plays in national security,” while Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz noted that seizures of this magnitude show “how vital federal resources are in protecting our communities.”
What comes next
The narcotics will be turned over to federal authorities for evidence and eventual destruction. Investigations into the seizures are ongoing, with the DEA and Department of Justice expected to pursue prosecutions against those linked to the smuggling operations.
For the Coast Guard, the operation is seen as a morale boost and a demonstration of its global reach. “Our crews face long deployments and dangerous missions,” Lunday said. “This offload is proof of the impact they make, not just for our country but for regional stability.”
The Coast Guard said it will continue to expand joint patrols and intelligence operations with allies in Central and South America to stem the flow of drugs. While officials caution that no single seizure can dismantle global trafficking networks, they say the operation is a powerful reminder of what coordinated enforcement can achieve.