The U.S. Coast Guard recently reported an impressive seizure of over 70,000 pounds of cocaine and marijuana along the Florida coast within just two months.
On Monday, they transferred an impressive 61,740 pounds of cocaine and 14,400 pounds of marijuana at Port Everglades, Florida.
Most of this substantial haul, totaling 76,140 pounds, was gathered between June 26 and August 18 through 19 different operations in international waters, particularly around Ecuador, Venezuela, and Mexico.
The operation, referred to as Pacific Viper, marked a notable achievement with a significant seizure of 9,160 pounds of cocaine near Socolo Island, Mexico.
Additionally, authorities intercepted 11 fast boats filled with illicit drugs and arrested 34 traffickers during their efforts.
The overall value of this significant stash is estimated to be around $473 million, potentially enough to supply 23 million doses to consumers in the U.S.
Admiral Adam Chammy, who oversees the Southeastern district, noted that this quantity could be enough for a fatal overdose among the entire population of Florida.
As of 2024, Florida has approximately 23.7 million residents, making it the third most populous state in the country.
Chammy emphasized that this operation signifies a major triumph in the battle against cross-border criminal groups and underscores their commitment to safeguarding the nation from illegal trafficking and its troubling impacts.
The Coast Guard previously set a record for the largest offload with 61,130 pounds of cocaine, valued at an extraordinary $1.4 billion.
In July, separate from this record-breaking event, the Coast Guard also seized about $20 million worth of cocaine and marijuana in a large Caribbean operation.
Interestingly, the record-breaking efforts aren’t limited to the Coast Guard; in early August, the South Dakota Highway Patrol confiscated 207 pounds of crystal meth from illegal immigrants, marking a significant event in its history.
