Coast Guard Seizes Over 75,000 Pounds of Cocaine, Apprehends Nearly 60 Suspects in Operation Pacific Viper

Coast Guard Seizes Over 75,000 Pounds of Cocaine, Apprehends Nearly 60 Suspects in Operation Pacific Viper

The U.S. Coast Guard has announced a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Since the launch of Operation Pacific Viper in early August, the Coast Guard has seized more than 75,000 pounds of cocaine and apprehended 59 individuals suspected of narco-trafficking. These operations have resulted in over 20 interdictions, averaging more than 1,800 pounds of cocaine seized per day.

Operation Pacific Viper is a coordinated effort involving the deployment of additional assets, including cutters, aircraft, and tactical teams, to disrupt the transportation of illicit narcotics from South America. The operation is conducted in collaboration with international and interagency partners to interdict, seize, and disrupt transshipments of cocaine and other bulk illicit drugs.

Rear Admiral Jeffrey Novak, Deputy Commander of the Coast Guard’s Pacific Area, emphasized the operation’s significance, stating, “Our latest milestone through Operation Pacific Viper underscores our commitment to dismantling Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Transnational Criminal Organizations engaged in narco-trafficking.” He further highlighted the Coast Guard’s dedication to protecting U.S. borders and maritime approaches.

The success of Operation Pacific Viper underscores the Coast Guard’s ongoing efforts to counter narco-terrorism and disrupt transnational criminal organizations and cartels seeking to produce and traffic illicit drugs into the United States. As the operation continues, the Coast Guard remains committed to safeguarding the nation from the threats posed by illicit drug trafficking.