Coast Guard Offloads $74M Cocaine Seized Near Ecuador

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma offloaded nearly 10,000 pounds of cocaine valued at approximately $73.7 million at Port Everglades following a successful interdiction on June 24, about 120 miles northwest of Ecuador. The seizure was part of a coordinated operation involving multiple Coast Guard units and federal agencies, with detection and monitoring led by the Joint Interagency Task Force-South. Cmdr. Nolan Cuevas, commanding officer of the Tahoma, praised the crew's determination, teamwork, and professionalism in executing the operation. The interdiction highlights the Coast Guard’s ongoing commitment to disrupting transnational criminal networks and protecting U.S. borders. The Tahoma is a 270-foot Famous-class medium endurance cutter homeported in Newport, Rhode Island, operating under the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command. Logistics and support personnel played a crucial role in ensuring resources and maintenance for the mission's success.