The United States Coast Guard has reported its largest-ever seizure of illegal narcotics, intercepting more than 75,000 pounds of contraband during operations this summer in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
According to the Coast Guard, the haul, valued at approximately $473 million, was the result of a coordinated effort with the Department of Defense. The operation targeted 19 vessels suspected of drug trafficking in waters near the Galapagos Islands, Venezuela, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Aruba.
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Maritime patrol aircraft initially spotted many of the suspect vessels. Coast Guard boarding teams subsequently intercepted and searched these craft. The evidence suggests that 34 individuals were detained on suspicion of drug trafficking, though the total number of arrests across all interdictions remains unconfirmed.
This development follows earlier reports of increased efforts to combat drug smuggling in international waters. The significance of this should not be overlooked, as it represents a substantial disruption to the illicit drug trade in the region.
The Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton, upon returning to Port Everglades, Florida, offloaded the seized narcotics. The cargo reportedly included approximately 61,740 pounds of cocaine and 14,400 pounds of marijuana.
This raises important questions about the effectiveness of current drug interdiction strategies and the resources allocated to such operations. The Trump administration has pledged to expand the Coast Guard’s capabilities, with plans to increase its fleet and add at least 15,000 personnel to its workforce by the end of fiscal year 2028.