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On Wednesday morning, the United States Coast Guard offloaded more than $509 million in illicit drugs at Port Everglade in Fort Lauderdale. According to a recent report more than 48,000 pounds of cocaine and marijuana were seized in 13 interdictions in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
This event was so momentous that Pam Bondi, the United States Attorney General, and FBI Director Kash Patel were both present, in addition to the U.S. Coast Guard Commander. It also comes just weeks after another massive drug confiscation mission in the Caribbean Sea.
The Justice Department believes Mexican drug cartels were behind the large shipments. They also mention that the majority of the interdictions included pure, uncut cocaine.
The crews used aircraft, ships, and drones to find and stop the traffickers off the coasts of Ecuador, Peru and the Galapagos.
The seizures are a definite win for many people as it could save untold lives in the US and beyond. It also puts more than a dent in the financial operations of these dangerous cartels.
Experts estimate that the seizures represent at least 154 lives saved from cocaine-related deaths. Further, it could mean approximately 11,000 fewer new cocaine users having access to drugs.
In financial terms, the confiscations also yield a savings of more than $16 million for US tax payers. The savings include costs related to inmate care for those involved in the drug trade and in healthcare costs for those experiencing addiction.
This event was the Coast Guard’s third drug offload this year. Along with the seizures, they’ve taken dangerous smugglers into custody. According to FBI Director Patel, the plan is to prosecute so they can’t repeat the crimes. They also plan to dismantle the cartels in their mission to save American lives.
With someone dying of a drug overdose every seven minutes in the US, time is truly of the essence. Authorities are pushing full steam ahead to stop the infiltration of these illegal drugs into our nation.
