Coast Guard Intercepts $186 Million in Cocaine in Caribbean, Atlantic Ocean

The U.S. Coastguard unloaded more than $186 million worth of seized cocaine in Miami on Friday, according to a statement released by the Department of Homeland Security.

More than 14,153 pounds of drugs were intercepted in the international waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean over the course of nine separate cases.

"The contraband offloaded today represents the professional expertise and dedication of U.S. defense and law enforcement agencies working together to combat the flow of illicit drugs through the Caribbean Region into the United States," Lt. Peter Hutchison, duty enforcement officer at Coast Guard District Seven, said in the statement.

Hutchison continued, saying that the collaboration across teams was a key to their success. "This teamwork is imperative to the identification, interception, and seizure of vessels engaged in illicit trafficking and a testament to the hard work of these crews," he added.

The U.S. team isn't the only one to value collaboration when it comes to seizing illegal drugs.

January saw the largest methamphetamine bust in New Zealand with more than 1,500 pounds — $250 million worth — found hidden in maple syrup bottles shipped from Canada.

Officials credited the bust, along with another in Australia, to international teamwork.

Twelve suspected smugglers were also apprehended, according to the statement. They are currently facing prosecution by the Department of Justice in federal courts.

The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Bear (WMEC 901) is responsible for Friday's offloading. Eight other crews were named in the statement as having assisted with efforts in the interceptions.