A Miami Beach Coast Guard vessel, along with CBP Air and Marine Operations, seized approximately 1.6 tons of cocaine, with an estimated value of $28 million, that was being transported on a suspicious vessel 3 kilometers east of Government The crews of the law enforcement vessels were assisted by multiple marine units and specialized search tools following the initial interception, according to a statement. “This was the largest cocaine seizure on a US Coast Guard small vessel since 1995,” stated Lt. Matthew Ross, commanding officer of the Miami Beach Coast Guard Station. "Protecting our maritime borders from illicit drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations remains one of our top priorities. The Coast Guard and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners remain vigilant in our joint efforts to maintain the security of our maritime borders, preventing illicit narcotics from reaching our communities," he added. CBP's Miami Seaport Office of Field Operations (OFO) also responded with a canine team once the vessel was brought ashore.

The canine team alerted to multiple locations within the vessel. A physical inspection by agents uncovered more than 1,000 concealed packages of cocaine, weighing over 3,700 pounds. Federal agents arrested three individuals.

“Dismantling maritime narcotics smuggling in this manner demonstrates the power of teamwork to safeguard our nation and hold criminals accountable,” stated CBP Executive Director of Air and Marine Operations, Southeast Region, Andy Blanco.

“Smugglers should be warned that our government team is watching and they will be apprehended,” he added.