Watch: U.S. Coast Guard Chases Down Cocaine-Laden High-Speed Boat In Pacific

The U.S. Coast Guard has seized over 75,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific since Operation Pacific Viper began in early August.

Officials said the operation has intercepted an average of 1,800 pounds of drugs per day, making it one of the most aggressive recent efforts against maritime drug trafficking.

Since August 8, Coast Guard crews have carried out more than 20 operations, arresting 59 suspected traffickers. The campaign aims to disrupt the flow of cocaine and other illegal drugs being smuggled by sea from South America.

Operation Pacific Viper focuses on the Eastern Pacific, a major smuggling route. The Coast Guard has increased its presence using cutters, aircraft, and tactical teams, working with international and U.S. agency partners.

The U.S. Coast Guard shared footage on its X (formerly Twitter) of chasing a high-speed boat and capturing the smugglers aboard.

CARTEL CRACKDOWN.

Operation Pacific Viper continues @USCG’s efforts to protect the Homeland, counter narco-terrorism and disrupt the Transnational Criminal Organizations and cartels seeking to produce and traffic illicit drugs into the United States. pic.twitter.com/OpI01rTOuh

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) September 18, 2025

Rear Adm. Jeffrey Novak, deputy commander of the Pacific Area, said the recent seizure of over 75,000 pounds of cocaine shows the Coast Guard’s commitment to disrupting the operations of terrorist groups, criminal organisations, and cartels.

Novak praised Coast Guard personnel for their tireless efforts and said the service is using all available tools to stop drugs from entering the U.S.

Officials noted that these missions require close coordination. The U.S. Southern Command’s Joint Interagency Task Force-South in Key West, Florida, detects and tracks drug movements by air and sea. Once smugglers are located, the Coast Guard takes over for law enforcement, including boarding and arrests.

All operations in the Eastern Pacific are conducted under the Coast Guard’s Southwest District, based in Alameda, California. Operation Pacific Viper is ongoing, with the Coast Guard working to protect U.S. borders, fight narco-terrorism, and counter international cartels.

Reference: USCG

Source: Maritime Shipping News