U.S. Coast Guard Offloads $183 Million Cocaine Haul

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton, in collaboration with interagency and international partners, successfully offloaded over 16,100 pounds of cocaine worth approximately $183 million at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale. The cocaine was intercepted in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean off South and Central America during a three-and-a-half-month mission. Six individuals suspected of smuggling the drugs have been detained and are facing prosecution by the U.S. Department of Justice. Captain Justin Carter commended the Hamilton crew and the Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Squadron for their professionalism and dedication during the challenging mission. This operation was part of the Coast Guard's efforts to disrupt transnational criminal organizations in a region that includes the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The Cutter Hamilton is one of four National Security Cutters based in Charleston, South Carolina, supporting multiple national objectives.