Florida City Celebrates Major Drug Bust by Coast Guard Cutter Stone

News Summary

The Coast Guard Cutter Stone has made a significant impact in the war against drug trafficking with a recent operation that seized 45,600 pounds of illegal narcotics valued at over $517 million. The cutter successfully offloaded the haul at Port Everglades, Florida, after conducting 14 successful interdiction missions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. This teamwork among various Coast Guard units has led to the apprehension of 35 suspected smugglers, reaffirming the ongoing commitment to safeguarding U.S. national security and public safety.

Florida City Welcomes Coast Guard Cutter Stone’s Major Drug Bust

In a remarkable operation, the Coast Guard Cutter Stone, based in Charleston, made waves in the fight against drug trafficking. On March 21, 2025, the cutter successfully offloaded a staggering 45,600 pounds of illegal narcotics valued at over $517 million at Port Everglades in Florida. This massive haul came as a direct result of a series of successful interdictions carried out in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

Team Effort Leads to Seizures

The Cutter Stone, one of four cutting-edge 418-foot Legend-class national security cutters operated by the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, made a significant impact through a total of 14 interdiction missions. The crew exhibited outstanding performance and commitment against narco-terrorism, a sentiment shared by Captain Jonathan Carter. Across several months, various Coast Guard units and task forces lent a helping hand in these crucial operations, which were ongoing from December 2024 to March 2025.

High Drama at Sea

Among the standout operations was an exhilarating mission on February 19, when the Cutter Stone’s crew managed to intercept four go-fast vessels in just 15 minutes. In a flash, nearly 11,000 pounds of cocaine was seized, further demonstrating the team’s dedication to removing drugs linked to notorious cartels such as the Sinaloa and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, both of which have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations.

Crackdown on Smugglers

As a result of these operations, 35 suspected smugglers have been apprehended and will be brought to justice in the U.S. Among the arrests, two Ecuadorian men, Carlos Armando Cedeno and Jorge Augusto Mero Figueroa, were taken into custody aboard a vessel transporting nearly 4,000 pounds of cocaine. Both individuals face serious charges, including possession with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine while aboard a vessel under U.S. jurisdiction, along with environmental infractions for dumping property subject to forfeiture at sea. Their case is headed to prosecution in Charleston, South Carolina, where all evidence will be scrutinized thoroughly.

Nationwide Impact

The operations led by the Cutter Stone and its dedicated crew contributed significantly to the continuous efforts to interdict and disrupt drug trafficking. This not only threatens U.S. national security but also endangers public safety across the nation. The coordinated efforts between the Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security were vital in combating these transnational drug organizations, showcasing that teamwork really makes the dream work in safeguarding communities.

Looking Ahead

The combined weight of narcotics captured represents a significant portion of the total illegal substances confiscated during the Cutter Stone’s operational period. With the support of law enforcement agencies, the remaining 33 suspects will face federal prosecution in various districts across the United States. This is a clear sign of commitment to ensuring that those who threaten the safety and security of U.S. residents face accountability for their actions.

As the Cutter Stone continues its mission against narcotics and provides support to other Coast Guard operations, one thing is clear: the fight against drug trafficking is far from over, but with skilled and dedicated teams, progress is being made every day.

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Additional Resources

• Live 5 News: Coast Guard Cutter Operations Result in Massive Drug Busts
• Wikipedia: United States Coast Guard
• Count on 2: Coast Guard Cutter Offloads Over 45,000 Pounds of Narcotics
• Google Search: Coast Guard drug bust
• ABC News 4: Yacht Strikes Charleston Jetties
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Trafficking
• Post and Courier: Charleston Coast Guard Drug Bust
• Google News: Coast Guard operations