Coast Guard Cuts Drug Flow in East Pacific

On Tuesday, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Seneca offloaded over 12,750 pounds of illegal drugs at Port Everglades, Florida. In addition, 29 smugglers were handed over to federal authorities for prosecution.

This operation is part of an ongoing effort employing multiple Coast Guard vessels and aircraft to intercept contraband and smugglers in international waters. Under Operation Pacific Viper, which commenced in early August, the Coast Guard has been actively working alongside Global and agency partners to prevent maritime drug trafficking.

Through this initiative, efforts to combat drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific have intensified, targeting the illegal transport of drugs originating from Central and South America. The Coast Guard utilized cutters, aircraft, and tactical teams to intercept and disrupt cocaine shipments and other illegal substances, leading to the significant quantities offloaded on Tuesday.

A recent Coast Guard press release noted that Operation Pacific Viper has resulted in the seizure of more than 80,000 pounds of cocaine.

Captain Lee Jones, commanding officer of the Cutter Seneca, expressed pride in his crew’s teamwork and adaptability throughout the mission. He emphasized their commitment to halting illegal drug flow into the U.S. and highlighted the sacrifices made by the crew to protect their homeland, even if it meant being away from their families.

The Coast Guard operates as a federal maritime law enforcement agency, holding authority over both domestic and international law in U.S. waters. Notably, around 80% of all drug operations against the U.S. occur at sea, showcasing the importance of the Coast Guard’s efforts in thwarting such activities.

The Cutter Seneca, a 270-foot medium endurance vessel, is home to a crew of about 100 stationed in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Recent months have seen drug interception efforts by the Coast Guard and other federal agencies reach unprecedented levels. In September, U.S. attorneys in the District of Columbia announced a record-breaking seizure of drug precursor chemicals during a press conference in Pasadena, Texas. These chemicals, seized in two maritime operations, were en route from China to Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel.

Among the contraband, 363,000 pounds of benzyl alcohol potentially used for illegal amphetamine production were confiscated, as well as 334,000 pounds of N-methylformamide, which is on the DEA’s watchlist for substances involved in manufacturing controlled drugs.