PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James returned to shore this week with a massive haul—more than 44,000 pounds of cocaine and nearly 4,000 pounds of marijuana, all seized during recent patrols in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
The drugs, valued at nearly $510 million, were offloaded Wednesday in Port Everglades after a series of 11 busts at sea. Throughout the operation, 34 suspected smugglers were taken into custody and turned over to federal authorities.
“These drugs will help lock up criminals instead of ruining lives,” said U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Thanks to the incredible work of the Coast Guard and FBI, we’ve kept these dangerous substances off our streets.”
The seizures happened between early January and mid-February. Crews stopped multiple “go-fast” boats and one low-profile vessel often used by drug traffickers to move large shipments across the ocean. The operations happened hundreds of miles off the coasts of Ecuador, Peru, the Galapagos Islands, and Costa Rica.
Capt. Thomas Rodzewicz, commanding officer of the James, said the mission’s success was the result of hard work and teamwork, especially over one 72-hour period when crews stopped seven drug boats and seized more than 24,000 pounds of cocaine.
“We delivered a substantial blow to narco-terrorism organizations,” Rodzewicz said. “This is about stopping drugs from reaching American communities and families.”
The Coast Guard says stopping drug shipments at sea is key to cutting off the money supply that fuels violent cartels and the spread of deadly fentanyl. The cases are part of a wider federal effort known as Operation Take Back America, targeting major drug trafficking organizations around the globe.
