The U.S. Coast Guard made a bold statement over the weekend by capturing and destroying a suspected drug boat in the Eastern Pacific. This action is part of a broader strategy known as Operation Pacific Viper, which aims to combat drug trafficking from South America. Just days earlier, the U.S. military had taken similar action against another vessel linked to a Venezuelan cartel.
During a single night, the Coast Guard Cutter Stone conducted three successful drug interdictions. They seized nearly 13,000 pounds of cocaine and apprehended seven suspected traffickers. The Department of Homeland Security shared this news with a lively post on social media, showcasing the dramatic takedown of the drug boat, which was engulfed in flames.
This operation is part of a larger effort that has already seen more than 40,000 pounds of cocaine seized since the operation began last month. The Coast Guard is intensifying its efforts by deploying cutters, aircraft, and tactical teams alongside international partners to disrupt drug routes.
The weekend’s operation followed a significant military strike on September 2, where a U.S. Marine Corps team sank another suspected drug boat in the Caribbean. This marked a notable shift in U.S. policy towards narco-terrorism, with President Trump confirming the action and stating that the boat was linked to a Venezuelan gang. He warned that more strikes could follow.
Tensions between the U.S. and Venezuelan leadership have been rising, leading to the deployment of U.S. Navy warships to the region. The Trump administration has also increased the bounty on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, citing his government’s involvement with drug cartels.
This recent series of actions signals a new phase in U.S. drug enforcement. The focus is not just on intercepting drugs but on taking decisive military actions against those involved in trafficking. The message is clear: the U.S. is committed to combating drug smuggling with significant force.
