The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Forward on Tuesday offloaded 34,780 pounds of cocaine worth $466 million in Port Everglades seized during patrols in international waters in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
The drugs were seized during 21 separate suspected drug smuggling vessel interdictions by the U.S. Coast Guard off the coasts of Mexico, Central and South America.
“The interdiction and disruption of more than 17 tons of cocaine is a result of the collaboration and coordination of multiple Coast Guard and interagency assets to address the complex maritime challenge of transnational criminal organizations,” said Cmdr. Michael Sharp, commanding officer of the cutter Forward. “I am extremely proud of all the women and men that contributed to the mission success, it is a direct reflection of how the U.S. Coast Guard delivers mission excellence anytime, anywhere.”
Making up the more than 34,000 lbs. of seized cocaine, the cutter Forward was responsible for eight cases seizing an estimated 14,207 pounds of cocaine; the Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton (WMSL-753) was responsible for five cases, seizing an estimated 9,460 pounds of cocain; the Coast Guard Cutter Campbell (WMEC-909) was responsible for four cases, seizing an estimated 6,153 pounds of cocaine; the Coast Guard Cutter Alert (WMEC-630) was responsible for two cases, seizing an estimated 5,736 pounds of cocaine; the Coast Guard Cutter Venturous (WMEC-625) was responsible for one case, seizing an estimated 1,565 pounds of cocaine; and the Coast Guard Cutter Confidence (WMEC-619) was responsible for one case seizing an estimated 553 pounds of cocaine.
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