by Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Federal authorities intercepted two vessels off the coast near Port Everglades this week, seizing an estimated $5.6 million worth of cocaine in a coordinated maritime enforcement operation, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Officials said the back-to-back interdictions took place on Monday and Wednesday and involved multiple agencies working together to stop suspected drug smuggling activity before the narcotics could reach U.S. shores.
In total, authorities recovered approximately 746 pounds of cocaine from the two vessels.
First interdiction carried out Monday
The first vessel was stopped Monday by a Fort Lauderdale-based law enforcement boat crew operating under the U.S. Coast Guard. The operation was conducted in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) K9 unit officers, officials said.
Authorities have not released specific details about how the vessel was identified or whether arrests were made during that stop. However, law enforcement confirmed that cocaine was discovered onboard during the search.
The seizure marked the beginning of what would become a multi-day enforcement effort in waters just offshore from one of South Florida’s busiest maritime corridors.
Second vessel spotted miles offshore
The second interdiction occurred Wednesday after a suspected drug-smuggling vessel was spotted more than seven miles east of Port Everglades.
In addition to the Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection, the operation also involved Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Officials said both vessels were intercepted without incident. Combined, the two operations led to the seizure of nearly three-quarters of a ton of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $5.6 million.
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Authorities have not yet disclosed whether any individuals were taken into custody in connection with the interdictions.
Officials highlight interagency teamwork
Lt. Justin Dadlani, commanding officer of Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale, praised the collaboration among federal agencies involved in the operation.
“The Coast Guard is in the business of saving lives, and every kilogram of these drugs kept off our streets represents lives saved,” Dadlani said. “I couldn’t be more proud of the professionalism of the crew and our continued partnerships with Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations.”
Officials emphasized that joint operations like these are critical in preventing narcotics from entering communities.
Ongoing enforcement along Florida coast
South Florida remains a major focus for maritime drug interdiction efforts due to its proximity to international trafficking routes in the Caribbean and Latin America. Federal agencies regularly patrol offshore waters and conduct surveillance operations to detect suspicious activity.
Authorities say operations near Port Everglades are particularly important because of the area’s heavy commercial and recreational boat traffic, which traffickers may attempt to exploit.
While the seizures represent a significant disruption, officials acknowledge that maritime enforcement is an ongoing effort requiring sustained coordination between federal, state and local partners.
The investigation into the two vessel seizures remains active, and additional information could be released as authorities continue reviewing evidence.
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