The White House honored 10 law enforcement officers and task forces on Thursday for their work in disrupting drug trafficking networks threatening American communities.
The ceremony at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building recognized federal, state, and local officers who seized massive drug shipments and dismantled money laundering operations.
The awards underscore the administration’s aggressive stance against illicit drug flows. Officials framed the effort as shifting from defense to offense against trafficking organizations.
“A chemical war is being waged against the American people, and for too long, America has been on the defensive. This Administration has made a clear choice: the time for reactive measures is over. Our new posture is one of persistent and aggressive offense,” said Special Advisor Sara Carter. “Today, we honor the heroes who are taking the fight to the enemy. These men and women represent the very best of us, and we are committed to providing them with the resources and unwavering support they need to dismantle these networks and win this fight.”
The Office of National Drug Control Policy hosted the U.S. Interdiction Coordinator Awards Ceremony. Shannon Kelly, the U.S. Interdiction Coordinator, praised the honorees’ dedication.
“The actions we honored today represent moments of bravery, hours of painstaking investigation, and a level of dedication that is nothing short of heroic,” Kelly said. “The work of these patriots is the shield that protects American communities. Every seizure and every arrest has a real-world impact, saving countless lives. Their success is built on partnership, and it is a powerful reminder that our ability to operate as one unified force is our greatest strategic advantage.”
Among those honored was the Bitcoin Fog Government Trial Team. They dismantled an infamous cryptocurrency mixing service that laundered over $300 million for darknet drug dealers.
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro and its helicopter squadron received recognition for seizing 3,200 kilograms of cocaine. The maritime operation required exceptional coordination between ship and air crews.
The CBP Fentanyl Canine Detection Training Team developed a program that increased fentanyl seizures by 860% at ports of entry. Their training methods revolutionized how officers detect the deadly synthetic opioid.
The ceremony highlighted diverse interdiction efforts from cyber investigations to high-risk maritime operations. Officials emphasized that partnership between agencies creates strategic advantages against evolving trafficking threats.