Coast Guard Unveils Historic Cocaine Seizure at Port Everglades

Coast Guard crews offload nearly 50,000 pounds of seized cocaine at Port Everglades, the largest single-operation haul ever recorded by a Coast Guard cutter.

Port Everglades, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- The U.S. Coast Guard is announcing what it calls a historic drug seizure at Port Everglades. Crews offloaded nearly 50,000 pounds of cocaine this week, a haul officials value at more than $360 million. According to the Coast Guard, it is the largest cocaine seizure ever made by a single cutter during one operation.

Members of the Coast Guard display part of the $360 million cocaine haul intercepted near Colombia and Ecuador.

The drugs were recovered during 15 interdictions carried out by the Cutter Stone in the Eastern Pacific Ocean near Colombia and Ecuador. The suspected smugglers were detained and transferred to their home countries to face charges.

DEA Administrator Terry Cole said the mission not only disrupts criminal networks but also helps protect communities across the United States.

National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard also praised the operation, and Coast Guard Vice Admiral Nathan Moore called the haul a significant victory in ongoing efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations.