The US makes the largest drug seizures in Central and South America.

PH1 Gray, USN, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The U.S. Coast Guard conducted its largest maritime counternarcotics operation this summer, seizing more than 34,500 kg (76,140 lb) of narcotics valued at approximately US$$ 473 million.

Drugs seized in Pacific and Caribbean waters

The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Department of Defense and covered a wide area, including the vicinity of the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador), the coast of Venezuela, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Aruba. Maritime patrol aircraft identified suspicious vessels, which were subsequently intercepted by boarding teams.

In total, 19 vessels were seized, 34 suspected traffickers were arrested, and 28,000 kg of cocaine and 6,500 kg of marijuana were seized, which were unloaded on the vessel Hamilton in Port Everglades, Florida.

A multi-million dollar blow from the US to drug trafficking

Authorities estimate that, had this quantity of drugs reached the market, it would have been worth nearly US$$473 million. Rear Admiral Adam Chamie warned that the seized cocaine alone could amount to 23 million lethal doses.

An operation with political and military support

This operation is part of a broader strategy promoted by the Trump administration to strengthen the Coast Guard and combat mafia. It also includes an increase of 15,000 troops, a reinforcement of the fleet, and an upgrade of equipment by the end of fiscal year 2028.

For more stories like this, follow More Latin.

Sources:

• AP News