PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. – The U.S. Coast Guard offloaded about 3.1 tons of cocaine Monday in Port Everglades.
Authorities said the drugs are worth an estimated $85 million in wholesale value and were seized in international waters off the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
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The drugs were seized during interdictions made by the Coast Guard cutters Escanaba and Decisive.
"The offload today represents the combined efforts of Escanaba's crew, and those of our partners and allies," said Cmdr. Michael Turdo, commanding officer of the Escanaba. "Stopping the illicit flow of drugs to our shores not only keeps them off our street, but also keeps money from getting to these criminal organizations."
The Coast Guard said it has increased U.S. and allied presence in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Basin, which are known drug transit zones off of Central and South America.
Officials said suspect vessels are first located and tracked by allied military or law enforcement personnel and then the U.S. Coast Guard conducts the actual boardings during interdictions.