$28 Million Cocaine Seized Off Miami Beach in Largest Bust Since 1995

A suspected drug-smuggling vessel carrying over 3,700 pounds of cocaine was intercepted Tuesday roughly two miles off Government Cut, marking the largest cocaine seizure by a Miami Beach small-boat station since 1995, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The operation involved a coordinated effort by the Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Homeland Security Investigations. Once the boat was brought ashore, a CBP K-9 alerted agents to hidden compartments. Officials ultimately uncovered 1,000+ packages, valued at roughly $28 million.

Three suspects were taken into federal custody.

Lt. Matthew Ross of Coast Guard Station Miami Beach emphasized that combating narcotics trafficking remains a top priority: “We remain vigilant in our efforts to keep illicit drugs from reaching our communities.”