MIAMI — Federal authorities seized approximately 900 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $6.7 million and detained three suspected smugglers during a maritime drug interdiction operation off the coast of Miami, the U.S. Coast Guard announced Friday in a news release.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, a Coast Guard boat crew, working alongside U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations and CBP Office of Field Operations officers, intercepted a suspected drug-smuggling vessel about 1 mile east of Cape Florida on Sunday.

The operation resulted in the seizure of roughly 900 pounds of cocaine. Federal agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Miami Division have taken custody of the three suspects and the narcotics as the investigation continues.

“The Coast Guard and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners remain vigilant in our shared efforts to keep our maritime borders safe by preventing illicit narcotics from reaching our communities,” said Lt. Matthew Ross, Coast Guard Station Miami Beach commanding officer. “I couldn’t be more proud of the professionalism of our law enforcement crews and our continued collaboration with our partners to safeguard American lives.”

Officials said the seizure is part of a broader multi-agency effort to combat transnational criminal organizations involved in narcotics trafficking and other illicit activities.

The Coast Guard serves as the lead federal agency for maritime drug interdiction, while Customs and Border Protection works to secure the nation’s borders through land, air and maritime enforcement operations.

No additional information about the suspects has been released as the investigation remains ongoing.

3 arrested, nearly $7M in cocaine seized off Miami coast

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Amanda Batchelor