The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) announced on Monday that it seized approximately $473 million worth of drugs in what has been described as the largest drug offload in the agency's history. The offload occurred at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale and is part of a broader effort that has seen $2.2 billion in drugs seized this year following interdictions at sea.
Rear Adm. Adam Chamie, speaking at the press event, emphasized the collaborative effort between the U.S. and its international partners, particularly the Netherlands, which has territories in the Caribbean close to Venezuela. “The Dutch remain a steadfast partner to the United States as they battle the cartels right alongside us,” Chamie stated, highlighting the multinational air and maritime operations involved.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi's interim appointee, Kehoe, noted that Venezuela serves as a “haven” for various foreign terrorist organizations, including the Tren De Aragua and the Cártel de Los Soles. These groups pose a significant threat to U.S. national security through their drug trafficking and violent activities. DEA Administrator Terrance “Terry” Cole also pointed to criminal links among Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela, labeling Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as a "corrupt narco-terrorist."
The USCG's efforts come amid an ongoing battle against drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl, which the DEA identifies as primarily sourced from China. “The drugs fuel and enable cartels and transnational criminal organizations,” Chamie added, emphasizing the severity of the issue and the importance of the agency's recent seizures.
Image for U.S. Coast Guard Seizes Historic $473 Million in Venezuelan Drugs
