Port Everglades, Florida – In one of the most significant drug interdiction successes in U.S. maritime history, the U.S. Coast Guard offloaded 49,010 pounds of cocaine valued at more than $362 million in Florida. Officials confirmed that this is the largest amount of cocaine ever seized by a single cutter during one patrol, marking a milestone in the nation’s ongoing fight against narco-trafficking networks.
Historic Coast Guard Operation Uncovered
The massive drug haul was brought ashore by the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Stone, which arrived at Port Everglades earlier this week. According to officials, the seized contraband was collected during 15 separate interdictions in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean, an area known as a high-traffic corridor for drug smuggling vessels.
A single cutter seizing such a large quantity is unprecedented, demonstrating the scale, reach, and coordination behind ongoing maritime counter-narcotics operations.
Crew Praised for Unmatched Performance
Coast Guard leaders emphasized the extraordinary effort behind the operation.
Capt. Anne O’Connell, commanding officer of Cutter Stone, praised her team for their outstanding execution.
“I am extremely proud of the crew’s incredible performance during this deployment,” Capt. O’Connell said. “This offload demonstrates our increased posture and continued success in the fight against narco-terrorism and transnational criminal organizations.”
The commanding officer highlighted that this operation is the result of increased coordination between U.S. agencies working together to disrupt drug trafficking routes before illegal shipments reach American shores.
Assets and Agencies Involved in the Interdictions
The record-breaking seizure was not the work of a single unit but a broad network of coordinated teams. The following assets played critical roles:
- U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stone
- U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) Jacksonville
- Joint Interagency Task Force–South
- Coast Guard Southeast District watchstanders
- Coast Guard Southwest District watchstanders
These units worked together to track, intercept, and retrieve the 49,010 pounds of cocaine, preventing it from ever entering U.S. communities.
Key Facts About the Interdiction
- 49,010 pounds of cocaine seized
- Valued at over $362 million
- Largest single-cutter seizure in Coast Guard history
- 15 interdictions conducted
- Operations took place in Eastern Pacific international waters
- Drugs were offloaded at Port Everglades, Florida
According to the Coast Guard, 80% of U.S.-bound illegal drugs are intercepted at sea, making maritime interdiction the nation’s most effective frontline defense.
How the Mission Helps Combat Global Drug Networks
The operation reflects a growing emphasis on maritime disruptions targeting large-scale transnational criminal organizations.
The U.S. Southern Command’s Joint Interagency Task Force–South, based in Key West, is responsible for the detection and monitoring of illegal drug movement across maritime and aerial routes.
Officials warn that large shipments like this are directly tied to criminal networks that also traffic synthetic drugs, including the chemicals used to produce illegal fentanyl, which has become one of the deadliest substances impacting American communities.
Why Maritime Drug Seizures Are Crucial
Interdicting drug shipments before they reach land significantly weakens the supply chain for cartels. By cutting off bulk shipments at sea, authorities prevent traffickers from distributing smaller loads across communities in the United States.
These large-scale maritime seizures help:
- Reduce the availability of dangerous narcotics
- Disrupt multinational drug networks
- Prevent the funding of organized crime and violence
- Protect U.S. borders and coastal regions
The Coast Guard emphasized that operations like these will continue to increase as part of a broader national strategy to reduce drug trafficking at its source.
Conclusion
This historic offload in Florida underscores the growing effectiveness of U.S. maritime drug enforcement and the dedication of Coast Guard crews working around the clock to protect the nation. As smuggling routes evolve, these record-breaking interdictions play a crucial role in weakening cartel operations and keeping dangerous substances off American streets.
Have you witnessed drug enforcement operations or maritime patrols in your area? Share your experiences in the comments below.
