- Title: Noem links record drug seizure to Trump’s border crackdown
- Date: 20th March 2025
- Summary: FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES (MARCH 20, 2025) (REUTERS) U.S. COAST GUARDS IN LINE FOR SECRETARY NOEM VARIOUS OF U.S. COAST GUARD SHIP NAMED STONE U.S. COAST GUARD SHIP (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY KRISTI NOEM SAYING: "Well, good morning, and thank you all for being here in the first 100 days of President Trump's administration, he's alre
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- Keywords: drugs florida homeland secruity kristi noem us coast guard
- Location: FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES
- City: FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES
- Country: US
- Topics: North America,Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA001048620032025RP1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: The U.S. Coast Guard offloaded 22.5 tons of cocaine and 50 pounds of marijuana at Port Everglades on Thursday (March 20), marking one of the largest drug seizures in recent years. The intercepted narcotics, valued at over half a billion dollars, were confiscated during a 4-month assignment of drug-smuggling vessels off the coasts of Mexico, Central America, and South America.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, speaking at the event, said the seizure underscored the administration’s commitment to border security and combating drug trafficking. "This is an unprecedented seizure of illicit drugs," Noem said. "Under President Trump's leadership, we are dedicated to making sure the Coast Guard has the resources, equipment, and training to continue their mission."
The drugs were seized by crews from the U.S. Coast Guard cutters Stone and Mohawk, which played key roles in intercepting smuggling operations in international waters. Large crates filled with cocaine were lowered onto the dock at Port Everglades early morning.
Noem emphasized the growing desperation of drug cartels as border security measures tighten. "We've seen more interactions and escalated violence against law enforcement officers," she said, attributing it to increased pressure on criminal organizations.
Noem linked the operation to broader immigration policies, saying cartels have become "more desperate" as border security tightens. "As President Trump works to secure the border, criminal networks are being forced to take greater risks," she said. "We are stopping them at every turn."
(Production by: Maria Alejandra Cardona) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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