MIAMI — The Coast Guard Cutter James crew offloaded approximately 59,700 pounds of cocaine and approximately 1,430 pounds of marijuana Thursday, worth more than $1.4 billion — the largest drug offload in Coast Guard history.
According to the Coast Guard, the drugs were seized in 20 separate events along the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea in recent weeks. Some investigations into the seizures remain ongoing.
“Every bail of cocaine on this flight deck that doesn’t make it to our shores represents lives saved in New York City, Philly, Chicago, Los Angeles, or any small town that’s dealing with pandemic levels of drug overdoses this year,” said Capt. Todd Vance.
“Interdicting these drugs ensure that the seas remain open for legitimate, peaceful purposes,” said USCG Vice Admiral Steven Poulin.
“It just shows how much work still needs to be done. The fact that this is done in only three months, it just shows that we’re doing our jobs there’s still a lot more to be done,” said USGC Operations Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Centerno.
The narcotics will be disposed of, officials said.
