FBI Launches Massive Operation, Seizes Thousands of Pounds of Contraband in Florida

United States Coast Guard emblem on stone wall.

In a massive blow to international drug trafficking networks, FBI, Coast Guard, and federal agencies seized $509 million worth of illicit drugs at Port Everglades, Florida, capturing over 48,400 pounds of cocaine and marijuana bound for American streets.

Key Insights

The seizure included nearly 45,000 pounds of pure cocaine and 3,800 pounds of marijuana, attributed to Mexican cartels including the Jalisco New Generation and Sinaloa cartels.
The operation showcased the Trump administration’s “whole of government” approach involving the FBI, DEA, Department of Defense, Coast Guard, and Homeland Security Investigations.
This marked the Coast Guard’s third major drug offload in South Florida in 2025, following a March operation that netted 46,000 pounds of drugs worth $517.5 million.
The seizure comes amid a devastating national drug crisis, with fentanyl-related overdoses being the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45.
FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the administration’s classification of narco traffickers as foreign terrorist organizations, signaling an intensified approach to drug enforcement.

Historic Drug Seizure Deals Blow to Cartel Operations

The combined efforts of multiple federal agencies resulted in one of the largest drug seizures of the year, as officials offloaded over 48,400 pounds of illegal narcotics at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on April 9. The massive haul, including nearly 45,000 pounds of pure cocaine and 3,800 pounds of marijuana, represents a street value of approximately $509 million. The drugs were intercepted in 13 separate operations in the eastern Pacific Ocean, primarily conducted by crews of the Coast Guard cutters James and Mohawk, using sophisticated technology including drones, aircraft, and ships.

The interceptions targeted drug shipments off the coasts of Peru, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands, effectively disrupting major supply routes established by Mexican cartels. Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Vice Admiral Nathan Moore attended the offload ceremony, emphasizing the significance of this interagency success in the broader fight against drug trafficking and violent crime across America.

Federal Agencies Unite in “Whole of Government” Approach

The seizure exemplifies the current administration’s strategy of coordinated interagency operations to combat drug trafficking networks. FBI Director Kash Patel praised the collaborative effort, highlighting how the operation demonstrates the effectiveness of treating drug cartels as serious national security threats. The operation involved coordinated efforts from the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Defense, Coast Guard, and Homeland Security Investigations, showing the breadth of resources being deployed against drug trafficking networks.

“This is what happens when you let cops be cops. There is no lethal force on planet Earth that is responsible for an overdose death of an American citizen every seven minutes more so than these … foreign terrorist organizations. We are humbled to be a part of this Department of Justice, and we are going to continue to safeguard our streets.” – Source

The seizure coincided with six drug-related arrests in New York following a lengthy investigation into trafficking networks, further demonstrating the nationwide scope of counter-narcotics operations. Vice Admiral Moore highlighted the human impact of the seizure, noting that the operation potentially saved 154 lives from cocaine-related overdose deaths. This collaborative model has yielded significant results, with this being the third major drug offload in South Florida in 2025 alone.

Fighting America’s Deadly Drug Crisis

The massive drug seizure comes against the backdrop of America’s ongoing battle with drug overdoses, which claimed over 100,000 lives in 2023. Nearly 70% of these deaths involved fentanyl and synthetic opioids, making drug overdose the leading cause of death for Americans between 18 and 45 years old. The House of Representatives recently passed the HALT Fentanyl Act with bipartisan support, reflecting the nationwide urgency to address this crisis.

“This is a textbook example of the Justice Department supporting the fight against violent crime. These drugs are worth over half a billion dollars. Almost 45,000 pounds of cocaine, pure cocaine, uncut, and 3,800 pounds of marijuana. Congratulations again to the Coast Guard, you have done admirable work.” – Source

Attorney General Bondi specifically named the Jalisco New Generation and Sinaloa cartels as the sources of the intercepted shipments, highlighting the continued focus on Mexican drug trafficking organizations. The administration’s strategy includes not only intercepting drug shipments but also pursuing and incarcerating cartel members. FBI Director Patel reinforced this commitment, stating that law enforcement agencies will continue working to remove drugs from streets and markets while ensuring cartel members face justice in American courts.