Major Interception in Caribbean: 1,100 Pounds of Contraband Seized

The U.S. Coast Guard has seized over 1,100 pounds of cocaine in the Caribbean, showcasing their unwavering dedication to national security.

At a Glance

Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier offloaded 1,115 pounds of cocaine in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The interdiction was conducted aboard a British Royal Navy ship in the Caribbean.
The Coast Guard offloaded over 26,000 pounds of drugs in San Diego.
Interdictions are part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces investigations.

Coast Guard’s Unwavering Commitment

The Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier recently offloaded over 1,115 pounds of cocaine, valued at around $14.7 million, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This significant seizure is part of a larger effort by the U.S. Coast Guard and its international partners. The drugs were interdicted by U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement officers aboard a British Royal Navy vessel during a joint operation in the Caribbean Sea.

This seizure comes on the heels of another massive offload by Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf, which recently offloaded over 26,000 pounds of cocaine and marijuana in San Diego, valued at approximately $390 million. The drugs seized in this operation were intercepted in the international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean, demonstrating the broad reach and effectiveness of the Coast Guard’s counter-narcotics operations.

Recent Successes in Drug Interdiction

In another significant operation, the Coast Guard Cutter Forward offloaded 7,302 pounds of cocaine, with a street value of about $96 million, in Port Everglades. These drugs were intercepted in three separate cases in the Caribbean Sea. This sustained effort highlights the Coast Guard’s relentless pursuit to curb the flow of illicit narcotics into the United States.

“The routine during this patrol was different than most, but the U.S. Coast Guard rose to the challenge, as they always do,” said Carroll. “These efforts by our U.S. Coast Guard and United States Navy are critical to reducing the availability of illicit drugs in our country. They are absolutely committed to saving lives, and their work that you see here today will result in lives being saved across the United States.”

The organized efforts of Coast Guard Cutter Charles David Jr. led to the seizure of 245 kilograms of cocaine and the transfer of nine suspected smugglers to the DEA at Coast Guard Base San Juan, Puerto Rico. The interdiction, managed by Coast Guard Cutter Heriberto Hernandez on June 3, 2024, took place southeast of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.

#USCGCThetis' crew recently offloaded more than $99 million in illegal narcotics at Coast Guard Base Miami Beach.

Coast Guard and partner agencies seized approximately 5,237 pounds of cocaine in the Caribbean Sea. ❄️

Read more here: https://t.co/V2juKF9wzw pic.twitter.com/hCyNBRBtaF

— U.S. Coast Guard (@USCG) June 20, 2022

A Collaborative Effort

The U.S. Coast Guard’s interdictions are part of the wider Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigations, which aim to disrupt and dismantle high-level criminal organizations. These operations involve collaboration with multiple interagency and international partners, including the U.S. Navy and the Royal Netherlands Navy.

“Today’s successful interdiction and seizure underscore the relentless commitment and collaboration of our federal, local, and regional partners in combating drug trafficking in the Caribbean,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Denise Foster. “The efforts of the Coast Guard and all agencies involved in this operation are vital to our mission of safeguarding our communities from the scourge of narcotics. The DEA will continue to lead the investigation to ensure that those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice.”

The Joint Interagency Task Force South, based in Key West, Florida, handles the detection and monitoring of illegal drug transit. This task force works closely with the Coast Guard to maintain maritime safety and ensure national security. Enhanced counter-narcotics operations across the Western Hemisphere began under the U.S. Southern Command on April 1, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to combating drug smuggling.