On Monday, the U.S. Coast Guard offloaded more than 76,000 pounds of illegal drugs in Florida, marking the largest-ever drug seizure in a single operation in its history. The drugs, which included 61,740 pounds of cocaine and 14,400 pounds of marijuana, were seized during Operation Pacific Viper and were valued at an estimated $473 million by the agency. The offloading took place at Port Everglades, Florida, with the Coast Guard’s Cutter Hamilton playing a central role in the operation.
The operation is part of the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on transnational drug trafficking, particularly involving Latin American cartels. It has seen the involvement of multiple U.S. federal agencies, including the U.S. Navy, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations, and a ship from the Royal Netherlands Navy. The Coast Guard emphasized that 80% of illegal drug interdictions occur on the high seas, highlighting the scale of the threat and the need for international cooperation.
Operation Pacific Viper has seen several significant interdictions, such as the seizure of over 8,800 pounds of cocaine off the Galápagos Islands in June and more than 9,160 pounds of cocaine near Socorro Island, Mexico on July 23. These actions underscore the high level of smuggling activity and the effectiveness of the Coast Guard’s efforts. Rear Admiral Adam Chamie, who spoke about the implications, noted that the amount of cocaine seized could potentially be lethal to the entire population of Florida, emphasizing the severe public health and safety risks posed by drug trafficking.
Captain John McWhite, the commanding officer of the Hamilton, praised the operation and the crew’s commitment, stating that the crew interdicted 11 go-fast vessels and detained 34 suspected drug traffickers. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of service members and their families, who forgo time with loved ones to protect the nation. The operation not only demonstrates the Coast Guard’s capabilities but also highlights the critical role these agencies play in combating transnational crimes.
These seizures also have significant financial implications, as the drugs represent a massive amount of illicit funds. The Coast Guard’s efforts are part of an ongoing strategy to disrupt drug cartels and their financial networks. However, while the operation showcases the effectiveness of U.S. enforcement, it also raises concerns about the scale of the drug trafficking problem and the need for continued international collaboration and investment in border security and law enforcement resources.