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The U.S. Coast Guard made history on Monday by unloading over 76,000 pounds of illegal narcotics in Florida, marking the largest drug seizure ever in a solo operation.
The drugs, including 61,740 pounds of cocaine and 14,400 pounds of marijuana, were offloaded by the Cutter Hamilton at Port Everglades in Florida as part of Operation Pacific Viper. Valued at $473 million, these substances were intercepted by the agency.
Considering a lethal dose of cocaine can be as little as 1.2 grams, the seized quantity by Hamilton’s crew was potentially sufficient to be fatal to 23 million individuals, according to the Coast Guard.
“This exceptional group of professionals delivered unprecedented outcomes in our nation’s battle against international criminal narco-syndicates,” expressed Capt. John McWhite, commanding officer of the Hamilton. “The crew intercepted 11 go-fast boats, caught 34 suspected narcotics dealers, and confiscated a record 47,000 pounds of cocaine. The dedication and selflessness of our deployed service members and their families, who spend time apart for national safety, deserve recognition.”
Some notable actions by Hamilton’s team include the June 26 interception of two crafts near the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, where over 8,800 pounds of cocaine were seized. On July 23, the crew apprehended more than 9,160 pounds of cocaine from a craft near Socorro Island, Mexico.
The Coast Guard noted that 80% of illegal drug interdictions are made on the high seas.
