- The U.S. Coast Guard has intercepted more than 242,000 pounds of cocaine since President Trump took office in January 2025, more than doubling the amount seized over the same timeframe in 2024, according to a DHS press release. Officials say the drugs could have produced over 91 million lethal doses.
Why it matters
The dramatic spike in cocaine seizures is being credited to Trump’s January 20 executive order, which tripled the Coast Guard’s deployment at key maritime and border chokepoints. The U.S. now claims over 80% of inbound drugs are intercepted offshore, with the Coast Guard taking the lead role in these efforts.
By the numbers
- 242,244 pounds of cocaine seized since Jan. 20, 2025
- More than 91 million lethal doses prevented from reaching U.S. streets
- This marks a 100%+ increase compared to the same period in 2024
What they’re saying
Between the lines
The surge follows Trump’s broader hardline agenda on border security and drug enforcement. Officials attribute the success to rapid deployment of personnel, enhanced surveillance systems, and reforms under the “Force Design 2028” strategy now overseen by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
The big picture
The U.S. maritime frontier — especially the Caribbean and Pacific approaches — has become a critical battlefield in the fight against transnational drug cartels. Experts estimate that 80% of drugs headed for the U.S. are trafficked by sea, with smugglers increasingly shifting routes due to land border crackdowns.
What’s next
The DHS said continued modernization and expansion under Force Design 2028 will focus on faster response times, enhanced interdiction technology, and cross-agency intelligence coordination. Officials say they aim to reduce maritime drug trafficking to its lowest levels in over a decade.
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