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Coast Guard’s Pacific Viper Nets More Than 100,000 Pounds of Cocaine in Two Months

The agency credits a surge of cutters plus partner detection for the record pace of interdictions.

Overview

  • Since early August, crews have carried out 34 interdictions in the Eastern Pacific and detained 86 people suspected of narco‑trafficking.
  • Officials report an average seizure rate of about 1,600 pounds of cocaine per day during the operation.
  • Expanded deployments include additional cutters, aircraft and tactical teams working with JIATF‑South, the Navy and international partners.
  • The Coast Guard says its maritime enforcement continues despite a lapse in federal appropriations.
  • Separate from Coast Guard boardings, the U.S. conducted drone strikes on suspected drug boats, with six killed in the latest strike and 27 deaths in total, according to administration figures.