MIAMI (WFLA) – Approximately 14,000 pounds of marijuana and 3,600 pounds of cocaine were offloaded by the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Bear on Thursday at Port Everglades.
The marijuana, worth an estimated $12.5 million, and the cocaine, worth an estimated $50 million, was seized in international waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
The drugs represent five separate suspected drug smuggled vessel interdictions by the US Coast Guard.
According to the Coast Guard:
- The Coast Guard Cutter Bear was responsible for two cases, seizing approximately 7,900 pounds of marijuana and 300 pounds of cocaine.
- The Coast Guard Cutter Valiant (WMEC-621) was responsible for one case, seizing approximately 2,700 pounds of cocaine.
- The USS Tornado (PC-14) with a Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team was responsible for 2 cases seizing approximately 6,100 pounds of marijuana and 660 pounds of cocaine.
“I could not be prouder of this crew’s accomplishments, and of the entire interagency and allied team that continue to stand the watch in an effort to stem the efforts of smugglers that seek to destabilize the Western hemisphere while they line their pockets,” said Lt. Cmdr. Andrew Dennelly, Executive Officer of Coast Guard Cutter Bear.
