Coast Guard Seizes and Unloads 28,500 Pounds of Cocaine at Port Everglades

Image Credits: USCG/X
According to a recent report from the U.S. Coast Guard, the Cutter Thetis successfully offloaded over 28,500 pounds of cocaine valued at approximately $211.3 million after several drug interdiction operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. This significant event took place at Port Everglades on May 29, 2025.

The remarkable haul resulted from four distinct missions carried out by the crew of the Thetis and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter team from Jacksonville’s Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON). Officials commended the crew for their dedication and effectiveness during these challenging patrols, emphasizing that their efforts play a crucial role in preventing illegal drugs from reaching communities and saving lives.

The first operation occurred on May 3 when a patrol aircraft identified two suspicious vessels about 170 miles off Mexico’s coast. The Thetis crew quickly intervened, seizing around 4,630 pounds of cocaine. Afterward, they transferred nearly 4,608 pounds to Ecuadorian authorities for legal proceedings.

Just two days later on May 5, while flying southwest of Colima, Mexico—approximately 475 miles away—the helicopter team discovered a field filled with bales containing an amazing 9,993 pounds of cocaine.

On May 6th, as storms brewed nearby and visibility dropped due to inclement whether conditions about 575 miles southwest of Acapulco—two vessels were spotted discarding drug bales into the ocean. Despite losing sight momentarily due to rough seas, they managed to locate three bale fields where they recovered an impressive total of around 14,559 pounds of cocaine.

on May 10th—a further finding was made approximately660 miles south of Acapulco—resulting in another seizure totaling about3 ,984 poundsof cocaine.

These accomplished interdictions were made possible through collaboration with various agencies including Joint Interagency task Force-South (JIATF-S) based in key West which played an essential role in tracking illegal drug activities both aerially and via maritime routes.

Once operations were confirmed as necessary interventions against illicit trafficking activities began; it was then that control shifted to U.S Coast Guard personnel who executed law enforcement measures effectively under guidance from California’s Eleventh Coast Guard District overseeing such missions across Eastern Pacific waters.

Reference: USCG