The U.S. Coast Guard announced a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking on Saturday, revealing the interception of over 14,000 pounds of cocaine, estimated to be worth more than $186 million, in a series of operations across international waters.
The illicit narcotics were offloaded in Miami on Friday, culminating nine separate interdiction efforts in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Coast Guard crews, supported by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations aircrew, apprehended the suspected smugglers during these operations.
Twelve individuals suspected of smuggling were detained and are now facing federal prosecution. Authorities have remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the suspects' identities, the origin of the drugs, and their intended destination.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon New stands watch during the drug offload in Miami on June 16, 2023. (Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Rodriguez)
Lt. Peter Hutchison, duty enforcement officer at Coast Guard District Seven, emphasized the importance of interagency collaboration in disrupting the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. He praised the combined efforts of defense and law enforcement agencies, highlighting the successful identification, interception, and seizure of vessels involved in illicit trafficking.
The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Bear (WMEC 901) with the seized narcotics in Miami on June 16, 2023. (Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Rodriguez)
Bales of the seized drugs offloaded from the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bear (WMEC 901) in Miami on June 16, 2023. (Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Rodriguez)
This substantial seizure comes amidst a global surge in cocaine production and demand over the past two years, as reported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in March. The report noted a rebound in supply following an initial dip attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. Global law enforcement seizures of cocaine also reached record levels, exceeding nearly 2,000 tons in 2021.
