Ft. Lauderdale was the site of a seizure of 17 tons of cocaine the U.S. Coast Guard. 17 tons equates to over 34,000 pounds that has a street value of $466 million.
The massive amount of blow was collected across 21 busts along the coasts of Central America, South Americ, and Mexico. The cocaine was corralled as a part of a larger effort to attack the drug market.
“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,” Coast Guard Cutter Forward Cmdr. Michael Sharp said. “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.”
The drugs were placed on concealed boats and are apart of a larger action against drug traffickers. The last several years have seen 1200 suspects arrested for cocaine trafficking-related offenses.
