The U.S. Coast Guard has released a video showing the destruction of a vessel carrying illicit drugs bound for the United States, as part of Operation Pacific Viper. The operation, launched in August, has resulted in the seizure of over 40,000 pounds of cocaine and the apprehension of at least 36 suspected drug smugglers.

According to a September 4 press release, the Coast Guard intercepts approximately 1,600 pounds of drugs daily in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The operation involves coordinated efforts with international and interagency partners to disrupt transshipment routes for narcotics originating from South America. Rear Adm. Douglas Schofield, acting deputy commandant for operations, emphasized the Coast Guard’s role in combating transnational criminal organizations and safeguarding U.S. borders.

Recent achievements include the offloading of 76,140 pounds of illicit drugs—primarily cocaine and marijuana—in Port Everglades, Florida. This marked the largest such seizure in Coast Guard history, following 19 interdictions in international waters. The operation is managed by the Southwest District, based in Alameda, California, with support from U.S. Southern Command’s Joint Interagency Task Force-South.

The Coast Guard remains the primary federal agency responsible for maritime drug interdiction under the Department of Homeland Security. Its efforts include deploying cutters, aircraft, and tactical teams to intercept and dismantle drug trafficking networks.