PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. (WDNews) – The U.S. Coast Guard announced Monday that Cutter Hamilton offloaded more than 76,000 pounds of illegal drugs—valued at $473 million—in the largest drug offload in Coast Guard history.
The haul, part of Operation Pacific Viper, included approximately 61,740 pounds of cocaine and 14,400 pounds of marijuana. Officials said the amount of cocaine seized alone is enough for 23 million lethal doses.
Operation Pacific Viper is a joint effort between the Coast Guard and U.S. Navy to surge forces into the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean, targeting drug and human smuggling before it reaches U.S. shores. During the operation, crews conducted 19 interdictions in international waters.
“The cutter Hamilton’s record-breaking offload is the latest demonstration of the success of Operation Pacific Viper,” said Admiral Kevin Lunday, Acting Commandant of the Coast Guard. “Hamilton’s success sends a strong signal to the cartels that we own the sea. We will defeat them and protect our communities from the scourge of illegal drugs.”
Rear Adm. Adam Chamie, Commander of Coast Guard District Seven, praised the crew, noting they personally intercepted over 47,000 pounds of cocaine during the deployment.
Operation Pacific Viper is part of a broader strategy ordered by President Donald Trump to combat foreign drug cartels in Latin America. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is overseeing the ongoing effort.
