Nearly 10,000 Pounds of Illicit Drugs Offloaded in Port Everglades Following Eastern Pacific Interdiction
In a significant victory against international drug trafficking, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma’s crew offloaded approximately 9,970 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of $73.7 million on Tuesday. The substantial seizure is the result of a coordinated interdiction operation in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, highlighting the ongoing efforts of federal law enforcement partners to dismantle criminal organizations.
The interdiction, which took place on June 24, 2025, approximately 120 miles northwest of Ecuador, involved precision work by the Tahoma’s crew and various supporting units. This successful operation underscores the critical role of joint strike forces in combating the flow of illicit drugs that poison communities.
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“I couldn’t be more impressed with the determination and teamwork displayed by this crew. They executed this interdiction with precision and professionalism,” said Cmdr. Nolan Cuevas, commanding officer of the Cutter Tahoma. He further emphasized the essential contributions of logistics and support personnel, stating, “Their tireless efforts ensured we had the resources and maintenance support to operate. Our collective actions reaffirm the Coast Guard’s unwavering commitment to protecting our nation’s borders and the safety of our citizens.”
The operation was a collaborative effort involving several key assets and crews, including the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma (WMEC 908), the U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area Tactical Law Enforcement Team, the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety & Security Team Houston, and Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-South). The Southwest Coast Guard District staff also played a crucial role in the coordination.
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Detecting and interdicting illicit drug traffickers on the high seas requires extensive interagency cooperation. JIATF-South is responsible for the detection and monitoring of illegal drug transit by air and sea. Once an interdiction is imminent, the U.S. Coast Guard takes control of the operation for the interdiction and apprehension phases.
Operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean are conducted under the authority and control of the Southwest Coast Guard District, headquartered in Alameda, California.
The Tahoma, a 270-foot Famous-class medium endurance cutter, is homeported in Newport, Rhode Island, and operates under U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command.
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This latest seizure is a testament to the persistent efforts of law enforcement agencies in their daily battle to dismantle transnational criminal organizations and enhance community safety.
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