❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. Coast Guard seized over 75,000 pounds of illegal drugs in its largest-ever haul, valued at nearly $473 million.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Defense (DOD), and 34 suspected drug traffickers detained during the operations.
📍WHEN & WHERE: This summer, across the Pacific and Caribbean, with drugs offloaded at Port Everglades, Florida, on Monday.
🎯IMPACT: The interdictions highlight the Coast Guard’s growing role in national security and drug enforcement efforts under the Trump administration.
Over the course of the summer, the United States Coast Guard seized more than 75,000 pounds (34,000 kilograms) of banned narcotics from ships operating in the Pacific and Caribbean regions. The entire cache consisted of about 61,740 pounds of cocaine along with 14,400 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated market value reaching $473 million.
These missions took place in partnership with the Department of Defense (DOD), focusing on 19 boats transporting drugs in the vicinity of Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, Venezuela, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Aruba.
On Monday, the Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton brought the seized narcotics to Port Everglades in Florida. Overall, authorities apprehended 34 individuals suspected of involvement in drug smuggling during these actions, although additional information about the detainees remains unavailable.
This unprecedented confiscation showcases the Trump administration’s commitment to fighting narcotics distribution and protecting American neighborhoods. President Donald J. Trump has announced plans to grow the Coast Guard’s fleet and boost its manpower by 15,000 by 2028, enhancing its ability to tackle drug smuggling through America’s coastal borders.
At present, the Coast Guard operates with around 43,000 full-time personnel, 8,000 reserve members, and 30,000 auxiliary volunteers.
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