U.S. Coast Guard Offloads $228 Million in Cocaine and Marijuana Seized at Sea

A U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton (WMSL-753) crew interdicts a go-fast vessel trafficking narcotics in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, August 19, 2020.The Cutter Hamilton Crew interdicted eight drug-laden vessels while patrolling and detained 25 suspects. U.S. Coast Guard Photo

The U.S. Coast Guard has offloaded seized cocaine and marijuana worth more than $228 million street value in Port Everglades, Florida.

The drugs were interdicted in international waters in the Easter Pacific off the coasts Mexico, Central and South America, and in the Caribbean sea by U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy crews.

In total, 13 interdictions of suspected drug smuggling vessels resulted in the seizure of the contraband.

The Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton (WMSL 753) crew offloaded the drugs at Port Everglades last Thursday.

“We are proud to support the President’s national security strategy by keeping illegal drugs off American streets,” said Captain Timothy Cronin, commanding officer of the Hamilton. “I am extremely proud of this crew as they sailed short-handed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and delivered tremendous results.”

The U.S. Coast Guard, Navy, Customs and Border Protection, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with allied and international partner agencies, all played a role in the counter-drug operations.

In addition to the Hamilton, seizures were also made by the cutter Resolute (WMEC 620), USS Nitze (DDG 94) and USS Shamal.

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