The U.S. Coast Guard recently had a significant victory against drug trafficking, offloading nearly 50,000 pounds of cocaine worth over $360 million at Port Everglades in Florida. This haul marks the largest single seizure made by a Coast Guard cutter on a single mission, according to Adm. Nathan Moore.
Despite this success, Adm. Moore noted no substantial change in the flow of cocaine into the U.S. even after military actions aimed at disrupting cartel operations. “Their tactics haven’t changed much,” he stated, highlighting that most of this seizure occurred recently, indicating ongoing trafficking activity.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seen a different outcome, with Administrator Terry Cole reporting a 30% to 45% increase in the price of cocaine. He attributes this rise to increased operational pressure on traffickers, making it costlier for them to conduct their business. “It’s now more expensive to recruit boat captains and to build larger boats,” Cole said.
Recent statistics support Cole’s claims, showing a surge in drug seizures. The Coast Guard intercepted 231,000 kilograms of cocaine in fiscal year 2025, which is the highest haul on record. This represents more than triple the average for previous years.
While there has been a focus on maritime interceptions, some experts express skepticism about their overall effectiveness. Nonetheless, Moore insists that the Coast Guard remains a critical asset in combating drug trafficking. “We’re continuing to apply immense pressure on every trafficking route,” he explained.
The stakes are high, especially as the fentanyl crisis grows. A recent study indicated that drug overdoses are increasing in the U.S., reinforcing the need for effective interventions. Cole emphasized the urgency of their mission: “The American citizens are sick and tired of Americans dying at the hands of the cartels.”
Looking ahead, both Moore and Cole expect 2026 to be even busier for drug seizures, as traffickers continue to adapt to law enforcement efforts. The ongoing battles against drug trafficking illustrate a complex cat-and-mouse game that requires constant vigilance and innovation from law enforcement agencies.
For more detailed insights on this ongoing issue, you can explore the CDC statistics on drug-related deaths.
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United States Coast Guard, Trump Administration, Cocaine
