Coast Guard Intercepts Massive Drug Shipment Valued at Over $500 Million

Image Credits: USCG

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stone recently made headlines by offloading a staggering 45,600 pounds of illegal drugs at Port Everglades, with an estimated street value exceeding $517.5 million.

These narcotics were intercepted during 14 operations in the Eastern Pacific’s international waters, leading to the arrest of 35 individuals believed to be involved in smuggling activities. These suspects are now facing prosecution in U.S. courts.

A variety of U.S. Navy vessels played crucial roles in these missions, including the Coast Guard Cutters Stone and Mohawk, along with support from the Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) based in Jacksonville and the Tactical Law Enforcement Team-Pacific (PAC-TACLET). The Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATFS) also contributed considerably to these efforts from their base in Key West.

Tracking down drug traffickers on open waters requires extensive international collaboration. The JIATFS is instrumental in monitoring suspicious maritime activities and coordinating responses when illegal shipments are detected.Once a shipment is confirmed as illicit, control shifts to the Eleventh Coast Guard District headquartered in Alameda, California, where they mobilize resources for interception.

the Coast Guard remains committed to disrupting drug cartels that pose threats not only to national security but also to communities across America through their transnational operations.

USCGC Stone is part of a fleet of four Legend-Class cutters stationed at Charleston under atlantic Area Command’s jurisdiction.

In related news, March 14 marked a significant milestone for the U.S.Coast Guard Maritime Law Enforcement Academy located in Charleston as it celebrated two decades of training officers for these critical missions.

references: USCG