CBP Seizes 67% More Drugs in Fiscal 2026, Shifts Agents to Florida Waters
Commissioner Rodney Scott said reduced land border crossings allowed the agency to deploy more boats and aircraft to intercept maritime traffic.
By Jason Cooper ·
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials demonstrated expanded maritime security operations at Port Miami on Thursday. The agency has redirected personnel and equipment from the southwest land border to Florida’s coastline. This shift aims to intercept drug and gun traffickers operating in local waters.
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott stated that the agency seized 67 percent more narcotics in fiscal year 2026 than in fiscal year 2024. Federal law enforcement agencies have already seized one million pounds of narcotics this year. Scott attributed this increase to higher interdiction rates rather than a rise in total smuggling volume.
In fiscal year 2026, CBP agents in Miami seized more than 17,000 pounds of narcotics. In the prior year, that figure stood at 7,000 pounds. Scott credited the difference to increased capacity, more flight hours, and greater coordination with partner agencies. He noted that every pound seized prevents that amount of product from reaching American communities.
The operational change follows a reduction in land border crossings. Scott explained that securing the southwest border freed up resources for other areas. He cited a 12-mile section in San Diego where new concepts allowed the agency to free up 150 agents every 24 hours. That personnel savings contributed to the current deployment in Florida.
Border Czar Tom Homan joined Commissioner Scott at the Port Miami demonstration. Homan said he has visited Miami several times over the past few months. He asked local leadership what resources they needed to continue impacting communities and maintaining water interdictions. The demonstration showcased how agents handle dangerous situations involving cartels and drug traffickers.
Officials view Florida as a border state. They are adding more maritime patrols to address advanced cartel technology, including drones. CBP stated that federal law enforcement agencies have stepped up their efforts. The agency plans to continue ramping up its presence in South Florida.
Source: WSVN
