Coast Guard Offloads More than $74M in Illicit Drugs Interdicted in Eastern Pacific

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma standing at parade rest on the flight deck at Port Everglades, Florida, July 29, 2025. The seized contraband was the result of an interdiction on June 24, 2025, approximately 120 miles northwest of Ecuador. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicholas Strasburg)

From U.S. Coast Guard Southeast District, July 29, 2025

MIAMI – U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma’s crew offloaded approximately 9,970 pounds of cocaine worth $73.7 million, Tuesday, at Port Everglades.

The seized contraband was the result of an interdiction on June 24, 2025, approximately 120 miles northwest of Ecuador by the crew of the Tahoma.

“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. “Behind every successful deployment is a dedicated team of logistics and support personnel. 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 following assets and crews were involved in the interdiction operations:  

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma (WMEC 908)

U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area Tactical Law Enforcement Team

U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety & Security Team Houston

Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-South)

Southwest Coast Guard District staff

Detecting and interdicting illicit drug traffickers on the high seas involves significant coordination. Joint Interagency Task Force-South conducts the detection and monitoring of aerial and maritime transit of illegal drugs. Once an interdiction becomes imminent, the law enforcement phase of the operation begins, and control of the operation shifts to the U.S. Coast Guard for the interdiction and apprehension phases. Interdictions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean are performed by members of the U.S. Coast Guard under the authority and control of the Southwest Coast Guard District, headquartered in Alameda, California.  

Tahoma is a 270-foot Famous-class medium endurance cutter homeported in Newport, Rhode Island, under U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command.  