US Coast Guard Offloads Over $509 Million in Illicit Narcotics
PORT EVERGLADES, FLA. – In a significant development in the fight against drug trafficking, the United States Coast Guard has announced the offload of over 48,400 pounds of illegal narcotics, primarily cocaine and marijuana, valued at more than $509 million.
Key Details of the Operation
This substantial offload occurred on Wednesday at Port Everglades, where officials were joined by US Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel to discuss the impact of recent drug interdictions.
The narcotics were seized during an extensive drug operation conducted over several months off the Pacific Coast. The efforts involved the crew of the US Coast Guard Cutter James, which played a pivotal role in disrupting drug trafficking networks.
Impact on Drug Cartels
According to US Attorney General Pam Bondi, two Mexican drug cartels, identified as CJ and G from Sinaloa, were notably linked to these shipments. Bondi referred to the operation as a substantial setback for the cartels’ financial and distribution capabilities in the US.
“This is a major blow to their financial operations and their efforts to distribute drugs throughout our country,” Bondi stated.
Statements from Officials
FBI Director Kash Patel characterized drug trafficking organizations as “federal terrorist organizations,” emphasizing their responsibility in contributing to the ongoing opioid crisis. “There is no lethal force on planet Earth that is responsible for an overdose death of an American citizen every seven minutes more so than these federal terrorist organizations,” Patel noted.
Furthermore, US Coast Guard Vice Admiral Nathan Moore provided insight into the operation’s ramifications, stating, “It means 154 lives saved directly from cocaine-related overdose deaths in this country.” He also highlighted a reduction of nearly 11,000 potential new cocaine users who would have had access to these drugs, alongside an estimated savings of $16.5 million on healthcare costs associated with drug-related incarceration.
Legal Actions and Future Operations
In connection with this extensive operation, 11 individuals associated with the cartel are facing charges in the Middle District of Florida. The Trump administration has signaled its commitment to conducting more joint operations targeting drug trafficking along the Pacific Coast moving forward.
