Fort Lauderdale, FL – The U.S. Coast Guard unloaded millions of dollars in seized narcotics at Port Everglades following several maritime drug interdictions conducted in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Coast Guard officials announced Wednesday that crews confiscated approximately 29,600 pounds of cocaine and 3,355 pounds of marijuana during six separate operations.
Federal authorities estimated the combined value of the seized drugs at $226.7 million.
The narcotics were recovered by personnel aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa, working with partner agencies during counterdrug missions in international waters.
The cutter transported the confiscated shipments to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, where crews completed the offloading operation Wednesday morning.
Federal officials held a news conference to discuss the seizures and provide additional details about the maritime interdictions.
Vice Adm. Jo-Ann F. Burdian, commander of the Coast Guard’s Atlantic Area, participated alongside Cmdr. Joshua M. DiPietro, commanding officer of the Cutter Tampa.
Capt. Kent Reinhold, commanding officer of the Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron, also participated.
According to Coast Guard estimates, the approximately 13 metric tons of cocaine represented roughly 10 million potentially fatal doses.
The Coast Guard conducts maritime interdictions to identify and stop suspected drug trafficking vessels before illegal narcotics reach their destinations.
These operations involve coordination among federal law enforcement agencies, military personnel and international partners.
Officials have not identified individuals allegedly involved in transporting the seized narcotics or disclosed potential criminal charges.
The confiscated drugs remain under federal control as authorities continue their investigations.