USCG, CBP, HSI seize vessel with $28M in illicit narcotics off Miami Beach
Below is a news release from District SouthEast (formerly D7).
Law enforcement crews from U.S. Coast Guard Station Miami Beach and CBP Air and Marine Operations seized approximately 3,715 pounds of cocaine, worth an estimated $28 million, from a suspected drug smuggling vessel 2 miles east of government cut, Nov. 2, 2025. CBP AMO law enforcement boat crews provided assistance with multiple marine units and specialized search tools upon initial interdiction by a Coast Guard Station Miami Beach crew. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Coast Guard Station Miami Beach)
“This was the largest USCG Small boat station cocaine seizure since 1995”
Just wanted to point out this boat does not look like the ones found transporting drugs in the Caribbean or in the Eastern Pacific Drug transit zones. This boat looks like a typical American recreational fishing boat. It easily blends in with the local traffic. The boats intercepted in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific do not bring drugs directly into the US. Generally they offload their cargoes for transshipment.
USCG, CBP, HSI seize vessel with $28M in illicit narcotics off Miami Beach
MIAMI – A U.S. Coast Guard Station Miami Beach law enforcement boat crew along with CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) and HSI seized approximately 3,715 pounds of cocaine, worth an estimated $28 million, from a suspected drug smuggling vessel 2 miles east of government cut, Tuesday.
CBP AMO law enforcement boat crews provided assistance with multiple marine units and specialized search tools upon initial interdiction by Coast Guard Station Miami Beach crew.
“This was the largest USCG Small boat station cocaine seizure since 1995,” said Lt. Matthew Ross, Coast Guard Station Miami Beach commanding officer. “Protecting our maritime borders from illicit drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations remains one of our highest priorities. The Coast Guard and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners remain vigilant in our shared efforts to keep our maritime borders safe by preventing illicit narcotics from reaching our communities.”
CBP’s Office of Field Operations (OFO) Miami Seaport also responded with a K9 team once the vessel was brought pierside. The OFO K9 alerted to multiple locations within the vessel. A physical search by AMO agents uncovered more than 1,000 concealed packages of cocaine, weighing over 3,700 lbs. Federal agents took custody of three subjects and transported them.
“Disrupting maritime narcotics smuggling like this demonstrates the power of teamwork in safeguarding our nation and holding criminals accountable,” said Executive Director Andy Blanco, CBP Air and Marine Operations Southeast Region. “Smugglers should be warned that our whole-of-government team is watching, and they will be caught.”
We are part of a whole-of-government approach to secure our borders by dismantling Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCO), including narco-trafficking and human smuggling operations.
-USCG-
Chuck Hill's CG Blog 
The boat authorities seized fits perfectly for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary once courts rule it goes to them. Picture this: after the legal case wraps up, USCG AUX volunteers take charge. They could deploy it right away for key missions.
Think of patrols first. AUX teams scan waters for hazards. They spot unsafe boats or people in trouble. That seized vessel, with its solid build, would handle rough seas well.
Then comes SAR, or search and rescue. Lives hang in the balance during storms or lost boaters. AUX units run many of these ops. A sturdy seized boat speeds response times. It carries gear and crew to save folks fast.
Training seals the deal. New boat crews learn skills on the water. They practice maneuvers, radio use, and emergency drills. Districts and divisions need platforms like this. One boat trains dozens over time.
Handing over seized boats this way saves tax dollars. AUX stretches every resource. Volunteers gain top tools without big costs. USCG should push for more transfers like this. It boosts safety across coasts.
Nicky,
Your statement that this boat “Fits perfectly for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary” is absolutely not true for 3 reasons.
First, the fuel and insurance costs alone would be prohibitive for an Aux unit to run one of these.
Second, in my experience, most Auxiliarists (not all) would not have any experience driving or serving as a crew member on that size boat.
Third, you mention “Storms” and “Rough seas” and in my experience those are areas where the Aux is not typically (if ever) engaged on a response.
To be clear, my experience is based off of 5 years active duty where I was a BM2 COXN & Heavy WX COXN on the CGC Gallatin and at STA Point Allerton.
Matt
Aux vessel size depends a bit on the area, some areas this boat would be classified as “medium” – – in my area there are several Aux vessels up to about 45 ft or so and I used to crew on some of them, so there is some experience out there and people could be trained on a larger vessel. Yes insurance and operating/upkeep costs would be an issue – the Coast Guard could help with those costs.
The one problem the Aux does have at times is the fact that many or the crew and coxswains are low annual hour experience and it shows in some cases.
I had my own boat (not a facility) and some years I did 60 to 90 days on the water, My boat and my command, the days in command made a difference in what I was aware of when I was on other boats.
That’s why I think the Auxiliary should be funded and I think the funding should be tied to all the drug seizures. At the same time do the same boat program that the Canadian Coast Guard dose with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Paging Chuck hill,
Your wanted in the Ward room. https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/12/sri-lanka-navy-takes-delivery-of-ex-uscgc-decisive/
Thanks Nicky
Sri Lankans are happy chaps. I hope she has a long life with her new service.
captnmike, you are definitely correct about having your own boat. That makes a huge difference. I was always happy when we had experienced Aux members who could handle our non-emergency calls.