The United States Coast Guard reported on a significant drug operation that resulted in the seizure of over 6,570 pounds of cocaine, valued at more than 49 million dollars, following two interceptions carried out in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
The Southeast District of the agency -based in Miami- revealed on X that "the crew of the Forward offloaded more than 6,570 pounds of cocaine valued at over 49 million dollars after two interceptions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean."
"These interceptions cut off the income of criminal networks and help keep dangerous drugs out of our communities," he emphasized.
The shipment was unloaded at Port Everglades in southern Florida following an operation that involved multiple naval units, aircraft, and specialized interdiction teams.
The authorities reported that the first intervention took place on February 7, when a maritime patrol aircraft detected a suspicious vessel offshore.
From that moment on, the team from the Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron, deployed from the coast guard ship Spencer, sprang into action, employing air force tactics to halt the vessel.
Once immobilized, the boarding team intercepted the vessel and confiscated approximately 6,435 pounds of cocaine, which represents the bulk of the total seized cargo.
The second operation took place on March 8, when another patrol aircraft located a speedboat under suspicious circumstances.
On this occasion, the HITRON team aboard the USS Forward carried out a similar maneuver to stop the vessel. The crew successfully intercepted it and recovered nearly 60 additional kilograms of cocaine.
The commander Andrew Grantham, the officer in charge of the vessel, highlighted in a statement the importance of the operation: "I am extremely proud of the crew for their contribution to the success of Operation Pacific Viper."
In addition, he emphasized the strategic goal of these actions: "The Coast Guard and our partners are working tirelessly to stop drug terrorists and criminal organizations before their dangerous and illegal shipments reach U.S. shores."
These operations are part of what is known as Operation Pacific Viper, a broader strategy aimed at curbing drug trafficking from South America to the United States. Within this framework, the Coast Guard has intensified its presence in the Eastern Pacific, one of the main drug trafficking routes.
Authorities indicate that approximately 80% of drugs intended for the United States are intercepted at sea, highlighting the importance of such missions.
Coordination among agencies is crucial: the Joint Interagency Task Force-South, based in Key West, is responsible for detecting and monitoring suspicious movements, while the Coast Guard takes operational control when interception is imminent.
Since the operation began in August, more than 200,000 pounds of cocaine have been seized and about 150 alleged drug traffickers have been arrested, highlighting the intensity of drug trafficking in the region.
Authorities also warn that these criminal networks not only traffic cocaine, but also use these proceeds to finance the production and distribution of other more dangerous substances, such as fentanyl, which increases the threat to public health.
In addition to removing large quantities of drugs from the market, these seizures provide key evidence and information to dismantle high-level criminal organizations, in coordination with initiatives such as Operation Recover America.
The operation demonstrates the crucial role of maritime surveillance in the fight against drug trafficking and the direct impact that these actions have in undermining the finances of cartels and protecting communities.
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