A Coast Guard vessel from Miami Beach, together with the CBP Air and Maritime Operations area, managed to seize approximately 1.6 tons of cocaine, with an estimated value of 28 million dollarswhich was transported in a suspicious vessel 3 kilometers east of Government Cut.
The crews of the police vessels were assisted by multiple marine units and specialized search tools after the initial interception, as reported in a statement.
“This was largest cocaine seizure on a US Coast Guard small vessel since 1995” stated Lt. Matthew Ross, commanding officer of Coast Guard Station Miami Beach.
“Protecting our maritime borders from illicit drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations remains one of our top priorities. The Coast Guard and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners remain vigilant in our joint efforts to maintain the security of our maritime borders, preventing illicit narcotics from reaching our communities,” he added.
CBP’s Miami Seaport Office of Field Operations (OFO) also responded with a canine team once the vessel was brought to the dock.
The canine team alerted to multiple locations within the vessel. A physical inspection by agents discovered more than 1,000 hidden packages of cocaineweighing more than 3,700 pounds. Federal agents arrested three subjects.
“Dismantling maritime narcotics smuggling in this way demonstrates the power of teamwork to safeguard our nation and hold criminals accountable,” said CBP Executive Director of Air and Marine Operations, Southeast Region, Andy Blanco.
“Smugglers should be warned that our government team is watching and they will be caught,” he added.
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