Record-breaking bust: Over $1.4 billion worth of drugs offloaded in Florida

The US Coast Guard offloaded approximately 27,079kg (59,700 pounds) of cocaine and 649kg (1,430 pounds) of cannabis, worth more than $1.4 billion, making this the largest offload in US Coast Guard history.

The offload was made by the crew from Coast Guard Cutter James at Port Everglades in Florida. The Coast Guard’s international relationships, with key partners like Canada and the Netherlands, along with specialised capabilities and authorities, disrupted transnational crime organisations and seized the narcotics.

“Today’s offload is a result of our combined efforts of our inter-agency partners and a dedicated international coalition,” says Vice Admiral Steven Poulin, Commander Atlantic Area. “The Canadian government and Canadian Defence Forces bring an incredible capability in defeating transnational organised crime, and I’m grateful to HMCS Shawinigan to showcase Canada’s commitment.

The drugs were interdicted in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean off the coasts of Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean Sea including contraband seized and recovered during 27 interdictions of suspected drug smuggling vessels by ten American, Dutch and Canadian ships.

“Canada and America are committed to expanding cooperation on defending North America against illicit trafficking and transnational crime and working together within our alliances,” says Major General Paul Ormsby, Canadian Defence Attache.

Numerous US agencies from the Departments of Defence, Justice and Homeland Security cooperated in the effort to combat transnational organised crime. The Coast Guard, Navy, Customs and Border Protection, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with allied and international partner agencies, play a role in counter-drug operations.