The U.S. Coast Guard has intercepted a suspected drug-smuggling vessel carrying approximately 7,250 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $54.5 million off the coast of Puerto Rico.
The Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon intercepted the vessel approximately 50 miles south of Puerto Rico on August 22, 2026, with assistance from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations. Five people aboard the vessel were detained pending further investigation.
According to the Coast Guard, the cocaine had an estimated wholesale value of $54.5 million. The agency said the seizure prevented more than 7,000 pounds of cocaine from reaching communities in the region.
Coast Guard Southeast District Commander Adm. Adam Chamie described the operation as an example of effective cooperation between law enforcement agencies. “This interdiction shows what ready crews and strong interagency partnerships can achieve in the maritime domain.” He said.
Chamie added that the Richard Dixon crew, Air Station Miami and CBP Air and Marine Operations partners had stopped the shipment before it could reach communities. “We will keep taking the fight to the criminal networks that threaten our region.”
Lt. Cmdr. Michael D. Torgesen, commanding officer of the Richard Dixon, also praised the operation and the coordination between the agencies involved.“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.”
The seizure comes as the Coast Guard reports a broader surge in narcotics interdiction activity. Earlier in the week, the agency announced that more than 75,000 pounds of illicit narcotics valued at approximately $473 million had been offloaded at Port Everglades in Miami.
