Officials seize vessel with $28M in cocaine off Miami Beach

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MIAMI - Officials seized $28 million in illicit narcotics from a suspected drug smuggling vessel on Tuesday, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed.

More than 3,700 pounds of cocaine seized

By the numbers:

A U.S. Coast Guard Station Miami Beach law enforcement boat crew, along with CBP Air and Marine Operations and Homeland Security Investigations, seized approximately 3,715 pounds of cocaine, worth an estimated $28 million, from the vessel two miles east of Government Cut – a man-made shipping channel near Miami Beach and Fisher Island on Dec. 2.

CBP AMO law enforcement boat crews aided with multiple marine units and specialized search tools upon initial interdiction by the Coast Guard.

A physical search by the agents uncovered more than 1,000 concealed packages of cocaine, weighing over 3,700 lbs. Federal agents took custody of three subjects and transported them.

Approximately 3,715 pounds of cocaine were seized. (Credit: U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

What they're saying:

"This was the largest USCG Small boat station cocaine seizure since 1995," said Lt. Matthew Ross, Coast Guard Station Miami Beach commanding officer. 

"Protecting our maritime borders from illicit drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations remains one of our highest priorities." 

He added: "The Coast Guard and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners remain vigilant in our shared efforts to keep our maritime borders safe by preventing illicit narcotics from reaching our communities."

The cocaine is worth an estimated $28 million. (Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images, U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

CBP’s Office of Field Operations Miami Seaport also responded with a K9 team once the vessel was brought pierside. The K9 team alerted to multiple locations within the vessel. 

"Disrupting maritime narcotics smuggling like this demonstrates the power of teamwork in safeguarding our nation and holding criminals accountable," Andy Blanco, the executive director of CBP Air and Marine Operations Southeast Region, said. "Smugglers should be warned that our whole-of-government team is watching, and they will be caught."

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