Coast Guard seizes 75,000 pounds of cocaine through Operation Pacific Viper, averages over 1,800 pounds interdicted per day
Posted on September 18, 2025 by Seapower Staff
U.S. Coast Guard crews conduct counter-drug operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean as part of Operation Pacific Viper. The operation highlights the Coast Guard’s commitment to disrupting transnational criminal organizations and preventing the flow of illicit drugs into the United States. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
From U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area, Sept. 18, 2025
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard announced Thursday it has seized more than 75,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean since launching Operation Pacific Viper in early August, averaging over 1,800 pounds interdicted daily.
These drug seizures, and the apprehension of 59 individuals suspected of narco-trafficking, were the result of more than 20 interdictions since Aug. 8.
Through Operation Pacific Viper, the Coast Guard is accelerating counter-drug operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, where significant transport of illicit narcotics continues from South America. In coordination with international and interagency partners, the Coast Guard is surging additional assets—cutters, aircraft and tactical teams—to interdict, seize and disrupt transshipments of cocaine and other bulk illicit drugs. Operation Pacific Viper continues the Coast Guard’s efforts to protect the Homeland, counter narco-terrorism and disrupt Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Transnational Criminal Organizations and cartels seeking to produce and traffic illicit drugs into the United States.
“The Coast Guard’s maritime fighting force is relentless in our ongoing operations to counter narco-terrorism,” said Rear Adm. Jeffrey Novak, deputy commander Pacific Area. “Our latest milestone through Operation Pacific Viper – over 75,000 pounds of cocaine seized – underscores our commitment to dismantling Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Transnational Criminal Organizations engaged in narco-trafficking. The Coast Guard is bringing every authority and every capability at our disposal to disrupt cartels and criminal organizations, stop the flow of deadly drugs into the U.S., and secure U.S. borders and maritime approaches. While we continue our crucial work to defend America, I could not be prouder of the men and women of the Coast Guard in celebrating this milestone.”
https://seapowermagazine.org/coast-guard-seizes-75000-pounds-of-cocaine-through-operation-pacific-viper-averages-over-1800-pounds-interdicted-per-day/
