Source: US Coast Guard (video statements)
INSIDE THE U.S. COAST GUARD’S COCAINE SEIZURE AT SEA
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stone has offloaded over 45,600 pounds of cocaine worth $517.5 million at Port Everglades following 14 high-stakes drug interdictions in international waters. These operations, spanning from the Eastern Pacific Ocean to the waters off Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, and Costa Rica, resulted in the apprehension of 35 suspected smugglers—a major blow to transnational drug cartels, including Sinaloa and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación.
Highlights from the CGC Stone’s Deployment
Interdicted four go-fast vessels in just 15 minutes—seizing 11,000 pounds of cocaine
HITRON aircrews deployed airborne use-of-force tactics to stop non-compliant drug runners
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS drones) assisted in locating traffickers hundreds of miles offshore
Seizures took place hundreds of miles off Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, and Costa Rica
“The fight against drug trafficking starts far from U.S. shores,” said Cmdr. David Ratner, underscoring the Coast Guard’s relentless mission to stop narco-terrorism before it reaches America.
Featured Coast Guard Assets & Teams
USCGC Stone (WMSL 758) & USCGC Mohawk (WMEC 913)
Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON)
Tactical Law Enforcement Team-Pacific (PAC-TACLET)
Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATFS)
Eleventh Coast Guard District
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