The U.S. Coast Guard announced that its cutter, Tampa, recently offloaded an estimated 29,600 pounds of cocaine and 3,355 pounds of marijuana in Port Everglades.
The drug seizure, estimated to be worth $226.7 million, was the result of six interdictions in international waters in the Eastern Pacific, officials said.
“This crew was phenomenal in successfully stopping a combined 32,000 pounds of contraband from reaching American shores,” Capt. Joshua DiPietro, commanding officer of Tampa, said. “By honing their maritime skills, standing the watch and working together, they intercepted over $226 million in illicit narcotics. Their resounding teamwork during complex operations is astounding. I commend them on their tremendous tenacity and true camaraderie as they worked through long days and nights to successfully complete difficult cases and continue the disruption of transnational criminal organizations.”
The Coast Guard said the U.S. Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team – Pacific, LEDET 102, Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron, the Joint Interagency Task Force South, Coast Guard Southwest District, and the USS Gridley joined the Tampa in the operation.
“The Coast Guard continues to leverage its authorities and partnerships across the Western Hemisphere to degrade Transnational Criminal Organizations’ ability to harm American communities,” said Vice Adm. Jo-Ann Burdian, commander Atlantic Area. “Success stories like these highlight our commitment to continuing to control, secure, and defend the nation’s maritime borders and approaches.”
Officials said the Coast Guard worked alongside local, state, federal and international partners to detect, disrupt, and deter transnational criminal organizations and maritime trafficking in support of Operation Pacific Viper, and a whole-of-government approach to combating transnational organized crime.