$1.3M in Drugs Seized from Suspected Smuggling Boat off Miami

U.S. Coast Guard stops vessel, arrests two suspected smugglers

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The U.S. Coast Guard seized an estimated $1.3 million worth of cocaine and marijuana from a suspected drug smuggling boat stopped off the coast of Miami. The Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge's crew intercepted the vessel about 8 miles offshore and found 174 pounds of cocaine and 17 pounds of marijuana during a search. Two suspected smugglers were taken into custody for further investigation by Homeland Security Investigations.

Why it matters

This interdiction highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and smuggling operations along the Florida coastline. Miami is a major hub for drug trafficking due to its strategic location and transportation infrastructure, making it a priority target for Coast Guard and other federal agencies.

The details

The Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge's crew stopped the suspected smuggling boat around 2:15 p.m. on Saturday about 8 miles offshore of Miami. A search of the vessel turned up 174 pounds of cocaine and 17 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated total street value of $1.3 million. Two individuals on board were arrested and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further inquiry.

  • The boat was stopped by the Coast Guard around 2:15 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2026.

The players

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge

A U.S. Coast Guard vessel that intercepted the suspected drug smuggling boat off the coast of Miami.

Homeland Security Investigations

The federal law enforcement agency that took custody of the two suspected smugglers for further investigation.

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What they’re saying

“Our crew is committed to keeping drugs off the streets and protecting America's borders. I could not be prouder of my crew's professionalism and their seamless integration with our partner agencies.”

— Lt. Zane Carter, Commanding Officer, Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge

What’s next

The two suspected smugglers will remain in custody as Homeland Security Investigations continues its probe into the drug trafficking operation.

The takeaway

This seizure demonstrates the ongoing vigilance and coordination between the U.S. Coast Guard and other federal agencies to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs into the United States, especially through major ports of entry like Miami.