Over 48,000 pounds of cocaine and a small amount of marijuana, valued at more than $509 million, were offloaded by the U.S. Coast Guard at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday.
The massive drug bust was the result of a four-month deployment by the USCG Cutter James, which patrolled the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Using a combination of surveillance systems, drones, aircraft, and ships, the crew intercepted multiple vessels suspected of drug trafficking.
Officials say the operation targeted shipments linked to at least two major cartel groups. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel joined Coast Guard officials at a press conference to announce the seizure and highlight the success of the interdictions.
Bondi confirmed that 11 separate prosecutions are now underway in the Middle District of Florida. “They will be held accountable,” she stated.
The seizure marks one of the Coast Guard’s largest in recent years and a major blow to international drug trafficking operations.
