Fox News reported that the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted a boat off the coast of Puerto Rico carrying over 7,000 pounds of cocaine worth over $54 million.
“An outstanding team effort thanks to seamless coordination with Coast Guard and CBP air assets, cutter Richard Dixon was in the right place at the right time to stop a major shipment,” said Lt. Cmdr. Michael D. Torgesen, Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon commanding officer. “I’m constantly humbled by my crew’s dedication and am proud to serve alongside them as we strike a direct blow against transnational smuggling operations and protect the nation’s maritime borders in the Caribbean.”
From the report:
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon intercepted the alleged drug smuggling boat on Saturday, Aug. 22, with the help of Customs and Border Protection air marine operations.
An estimated 7,250 pounds of cocaine was seized, worth about $54.5 million.
Five people on the alleged smuggling boat were detained and taken into custody in the investigation.
The Coast Guard destroyed the boat “as it posed a hazard to navigation.”
“This interdiction shows what ready crews and strong interagency partnerships can achieve in the maritime domain,” said Coast Guard Southeast District Commander Adm. Adam Chamie. “The Richard Dixon crew, Air Station Miami and our Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations partners stopped more than 7,000 pounds of cocaine before it could reach our communities, and we will keep taking the fight to the criminal networks that threaten our region.”
FIRST ON FOX: The U.S. Coast Guard seized more than 7,000 pounds of cocaine worth $54.5 million from a suspected smuggling boat off the coast of Puerto Rico — then destroyed the vessel.
Five people were detained after the Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon intercepted the boat… pic.twitter.com/QNVOf5pJsT
— Fox News US (@FoxUSNews) August 27, 2026
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) expanded its maritime missions by forming four new “Customs Enforcement Areas” off the coasts of America.
The move expands jurisdiction from 12 to 24 nautical miles off the coasts of South Florida, Southern California, Puerto Rico, and the Gulf Coast of Texas.
“The ocean is not a safe haven for cartels and smugglers,” said Rodney Scott, Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “These designations give our agents the room to act sooner and stop threats before they reach the American people. If you are moving drugs, contraband, or people toward our shores, expect us to find you.”
CPB will work with the Coast Guard “to detect and interdict vessels used by cartels, foreign terrorist organizations, and other criminal networks to move people, narcotics, and contraband toward the United States.”
[Featured image via Coast Guard]
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