U.S. Coast Guard Seizes $91 Million in Cocaine During Maritime Drug Interdiction
A U.S. Coast Guard crew successfully completed a two-month anti-drug trafficking operation, leading to the seizure of approximately 8,061 pounds of cocaine valued at $91 million and the arrest of 49 suspected drug smugglers, the agency reported.
Major Drug Interception in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific
The Coast Guard cutter Campbell returned to its homeport in Newport, Rhode Island, after patrolling known narcotics trafficking routes across the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific Ocean for 63 days. The mission, aimed at disrupting transnational criminal organizations, resulted in significant narcotics seizures at sea.
During the operation, the crew intercepted multiple drug smuggling attempts and confiscated large quantities of cocaine. Authorities confirmed that 26 of the arrested suspects were transferred to U.S. authorities in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at the end of January when the Campbell offloaded the illicit cargo at Port Everglades.
Coast Guard’s Role in Combating Maritime Drug Smuggling
Cmdr. Jonathan Harris, the commanding officer of the Campbell, praised his crew’s dedication, stating, “We overcame many challenges while patrolling during the holiday season, ensuring that these narcotics do not reach our shores. Additionally, we contributed to the justice process by bringing suspected traffickers to face prosecution in the United States.”
The Campbell’s deployment was part of a broader effort under the Joint Interagency Task Force, a collaborative initiative involving multiple U.S. agencies and international partners to combat illicit drug trade and dismantle organized crime networks operating at sea.
Additional Rescue Operation at Sea
Beyond their primary mission, Campbell’s crew also assisted in a search and rescue operation during their deployment. The Coast Guard confirmed that two survivors received care aboard the cutter, though further details on the rescue were not disclosed.
The arrested suspects will now face federal prosecution by the U.S. Department of Justice as part of ongoing efforts to curb maritime drug trafficking and disrupt criminal networks operating across international waters.
