The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is conducting another major operation targeting drug trafficking and human smuggling in the Eastern Pacific. Recent coordinated efforts with the U.S. Navy have resulted in the seizure of more than 13,000 pounds of cocaine and the arrest of 11 suspects.

The Department of Homeland Security announced that just days after the Coast Guard deployed significant personnel and vessels under “Operation Pacific Viper” to target Latin American drug cartels, the results were clear. Within days, the agency tracked, intercepted, and boarded multiple illicit vessels, carrying out seizures and arrests.

The first seizure occurred on August 8, when a patrol boat intercepted a smuggling vessel off southern Mexico, confiscating over 4,000 pounds of cocaine and arresting three traffickers.

Three days later, the Navy destroyer USS Sampson intercepted a smuggling vessel along a known trafficking route. The smugglers attempted to dump cargo overboard, but the crew was subdued, resulting in the seizure of approximately 1,300 pounds of cocaine and the arrest of two suspects. The smuggling vessel sank due to deteriorating seaworthiness and rough seas.

On August 16, another case saw a Coast Guard patrol boat intercept a smuggling vessel south of the Galápagos Islands. Crew members fired from a helicopter, disabling the engine. Three alleged traffickers were detained, over 3,500 pounds of cocaine were seized, and the vessel was set on fire.

The following day, the same patrol boat carried out another interception, arresting three smugglers and seizing over 4,000 pounds of cocaine. Reportedly, all suspects in these two incidents were Ecuadorian nationals.

On August 19, nearly 3,000 pounds of cocaine were seized, and during the same day, another vessel discarded 750 pounds of cocaine that was subsequently recovered.

Reports indicate that former President Trump also ordered the deployment of three naval ships off the Venezuelan coast to intensify the fight against drug trafficking.

According to Reuters, the Aegis destroyers USS Gravely, USS John Dunham, and USS Sampson, along with a task force of 4,000 sailors and Marines, aim to increase pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is wanted with a $50 million reward for alleged ties to cocaine trafficking.