The U.S. Coast Guard offloaded 34,780 pounds of cocaine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Tuesday.

Multiple U.S. Coast Guard vessels intercepted the drugs off the coasts of Mexico, Central America and South America, according to a news release. There were 21 separate interceptions of suspected drug smuggling vessels.

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Six crews seized the drugs, which have an estimated wholesale worth of $466 million.

"The interdiction and disruption of more than 17 tons of cocaine is a result of the collaboration and coordination of multiple Coast Guard and interagency assets to address the complex maritime challenge of Transnational Criminal Organizations," Cmdr. Michael Sharp said in a statement. "I am extremely proud of all the women and men that contributed to the mission success, it is a direct reflection of how the U.S. Coast Guard delivers mission excellence anytime, anywhere."

A Coast Guard Cutter Forward boatcrew recovers multiple bales of cocaine, which totaled approximately 2,535 pounds, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018 nearly 69 miles southwest of Malpelo Island, Colombia. The bales were jettisoned from a suspected drug smuggling vessel with three suspected smugglers aboard.

Credit: U.S. Coast Guard District 7

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Credit: U.S. Coast Guard District 7

U.S. agencies from the Departments of Defense, Justice and Homeland Security routinely work together to combat international crime, including drug trafficking.

Adm. Karl Schultz told The Associated Press crews have seized 1.3 million pounds of cocaine in the last few years.

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8/26/17 - Atlanta, GA - Georgia leaders, including Gov. Nathan Deal, Sandra Deal, members of the King family, and Rep. Calvin Smyre,  were on hand for unveiling of the first statue of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday at the statehouse grounds, more than three years after Gov. Nathan Deal first announced the project.  During the hour-long ceremony leading to the unveiling of the statue of Martin Luther King Jr. at the state Capitol on Monday, many speakers, including Gov. Nathan Deal, spoke of King's biography. The statue was unveiled on the anniversary of King's famed "I Have Dream" speech. BOB ANDRES  /BANDRES@AJC.COM

Credit: Bob Andres