Overview
- The Department of Homeland Security posted footage showing a suspected smuggling vessel being fired upon, set ablaze and sunk by the Coast Guard.
- USCG Cutter Stone executed three interdictions in a single night over the weekend, seizing nearly 13,000 pounds of cocaine and detaining seven suspects.
- The Coast Guard says Pacific Viper has surpassed 40,000 pounds of cocaine seized in the Eastern Pacific since its launch early last month, averaging more than 1,600 pounds per day.
- Officials describe an accelerated campaign with additional cutters, aircraft and tactical teams deployed in coordination with international and interagency partners.
- The sinking follows a Sept. 2 Marine strike that media reports say hit a vessel allegedly tied to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, with outlets also noting an expanded U.S. naval presence near Venezuela.