by Port Everglades, Florida – The U.S. Coast Guard on Monday offloaded more than 76,000 pounds of illegal drugs at Port Everglades, marking the largest single-operation drug seizure in Coast Guard history. The operation, part of Operation Pacific Viper, is being hailed as a landmark achievement in U.S. efforts to combat international drug trafficking and safeguard communities.
The massive haul included 61,740 pounds of cocaine and 14,400 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated street value of $473 million. According to officials, the amount of cocaine alone is enough to produce 23 million lethal doses, underscoring the significant threat posed by drug cartels to public safety.
Largest Drug Seizure in Coast Guard History
Rear Adm. Adam Chamie highlighted the operation’s staggering scale:
“The potential 23 million lethal doses of cocaine seized by the U.S. Coast Guard and our partners are enough to fatally overdose the entire population of the state of Florida,” Chamie said. “This underscores the immense threat posed by transnational drug trafficking to our nation.”
The seizure represents an unprecedented logistical achievement for the Cutter Hamilton and its crew, who worked tirelessly to intercept multiple shipments over several months.
Coordinated International Effort
According to Fox News, Operation Pacific Viper included 19 interdictions in high-risk waters across the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The operation involved collaboration between multiple agencies, including:
- U.S. Navy
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations
- Royal Netherlands Navy
The joint effort aimed to disrupt cartel activity, intercept narcotics before they reach U.S. shores, and prevent drug-related crime and overdoses in American communities.
Detailed Seizures During the Mission
The Hamilton crew carried out several notable seizures during the operation:
- June 26, 2025: Intercepted two vessels near the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, seizing over 8,800 pounds of cocaine.
- July 23, 2025: Stopped a vessel near Socorro Island, Mexico, capturing more than 9,160 pounds of cocaine.
- In total, the crew detained 34 suspected drug traffickers and seized a record 47,000 pounds of cocaine during the operation.
The Coast Guard emphasized that 80% of drug interdictions occur on the high seas, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in tackling transnational criminal organizations.
How Cartels Target U.S. Communities
The drugs seized in Operation Pacific Viper were destined for U.S. cities, where narcotics like cocaine and marijuana fuel crime, overdoses, and public health crises. By intercepting these shipments at sea, authorities aim to prevent the drugs from reaching consumers and reduce the impact of cartel violence.
Capt. John McWhite, commanding officer of the Hamilton, praised his crew for their dedication:
“This outstanding group of professionals achieved unparalleled results in our nation’s fight against transnational criminal drug organizations. Their commitment, skill, and sacrifice are vital in keeping our communities safe.”
Operation Pacific Viper: A Model for Future Enforcement
The operation showcases the Coast Guard’s ability to work closely with national and international partners to combat organized crime. By leveraging intelligence, high-speed interdiction vessels, and advanced maritime surveillance, authorities can successfully disrupt smuggling routes used by sophisticated drug networks.
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Officials also noted that continued funding and resources for maritime law enforcement, such as multi-year grants for the Organized Crime Task Force, are essential to sustain these efforts and further reduce the flow of illegal drugs into the United States.
Protecting the Public and Raising Awareness
Authorities encourage Americans to remain aware of the dangers posed by narcotics, support anti-drug initiatives, and recognize the dedication of law enforcement personnel working to safeguard communities. By stopping shipments before they reach U.S. ports, agencies like the Coast Guard play a critical role in saving lives and preventing the societal consequences of drug trafficking.
“The crew’s actions prevented an unprecedented number of lethal overdoses,” Chamie added. “Every pound of narcotics removed from circulation represents countless lives saved and families protected.”
Final Thoughts
The record-breaking seizure off the coast of Florida serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats posed by international drug trafficking. Through operations like Pacific Viper, the U.S. Coast Guard continues to protect the nation’s borders, intercept dangerous substances, and uphold public safety.
Stay informed on major law enforcement operations like this one and learn more about efforts to combat drug trafficking by following trusted news sources and subscribing to updates from ibwhsmag.com. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments to support awareness and community safety.
