U.S. Coast Guard Seizes $1.3 Million in Cocaine, Marijuana Off Florida Coast

suspected smugglers were taken into custody

MIAMI, FLORIDA – A routine patrol turned into a major drug seizure Saturday afternoon when the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge intercepted a suspected smuggling vessel approximately eight miles offshore of Miami.

The interdiction occurred around 2:15 p.m., as part of ongoing maritime border security operations led by the United States Coast Guard. During the boarding, the joint law enforcement team discovered approximately 17 pounds of marijuana and 174 pounds of cocaine concealed aboard the vessel.

Laboratory testing later confirmed the substances, which authorities estimate carry a combined street value of $1.3 million.

Two suspected smugglers were taken into custody and transferred for further investigation by Homeland Security Investigations.

Lt. Zane Carter, commanding officer of the Richard Etheridge, praised the coordinated effort following the seizure. He said “the crew remains committed to keeping drugs off the streets and protecting the nation’s borders,” adding that he was proud of the professionalism demonstrated and the seamless integration with partner agencies.

Multiple federal units participated in the interdiction, including:

• Coast Guard Southeast District

• Coast Guard Sector Miami

• Coast Guard Investigative Service

• Homeland Security Investigations

• Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations K9 unit

• Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations

Officials with the Coast Guard’s Southeast District emphasized that crews work daily to secure the maritime border and prevent illegal narcotics from entering the United States.

Saturday’s seizure stands as another example of the coordinated efforts underway to disrupt smuggling operations before drugs can reach American communities.

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