Since launching Operation Pacific Viper on August 8, the U.S. Coast Guard has confiscated over 40,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific, maintaining a significant daily interdiction rate. The initiative has resulted in 14 arrests and aims to disrupt the activities of drug smugglers.
Operation Pacific Viper enhances the coast guard’s efforts in the Eastern Pacific, a key route for narcotics originating from South America. Utilizing advanced resources, including aircraft and tactical teams, the operation targets transnational criminal organizations attempting to transport drugs to the U.S.
Douglas Schofield, deputy commander of operations, emphasized the Coast Guard’s unique capabilities in combating maritime drug smuggling, stating, “We use our entire spectrum of skills to disrupt transnational criminal organizations and cartels.”
The operation’s success was underscored by the Cutter Hamilton’s recent offloading of 76,140 pounds of illegal drugs in Florida, marking the largest seizure in Coast Guard history. These actions involve extensive coordination among various agencies, with the U.S. Southern Command overseeing monitoring and the Southwestern District leading law enforcement efforts. As a key agency in maritime drug interdiction under the Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard remains committed to its mission.
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