FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The Coast Guard offloaded a large amount of illegal narcotics at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Friday that has an estimated value of $324 million, offiicals said.
Authorities said the drugs were confiscated off the eastern Pacific coasts of Mexico, Central and South America in international waters during 15 interdictions of suspected drug-smuggling vessels.
#ThisJustIn the @USCG Cutter Hamilton offloaded more than 20,000 pounds of illegal drugs, 15 gallons of liquefied cocaine in Port Everglades. Find out more information here https://t.co/PXAYev8EgM #Ready, #Relevant, #Responsive pic.twitter.com/enyLCOwFFp
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) April 3, 2020
The massive haul included:
- 18,700 pounds of cocaine
- Nearly 1,500 pounds of marijuana
- 15 gallons of liquefied cocaine
"These seizures highlight how effective the U.S. Coast Guard and our partners are working together to disrupt the flow of illicit drugs into the United States," said Capt. Timothy Cronin, commanding officer of the Coast Guard cutter Hamilton. "Not only do we keep these harmful substances off our streets, but we chip away at the Transnational Criminal Organizations that fuel violence and instability in the Western Hemisphere. I am always proud of this crew, but to witness their resiliency and dedication while their families at home deal with the nationwide crisis has been nothing short of remarkable.”
The Coast Guard said multiple U.S. agencies cooperated and played a role in the counter-drug operations.