In a significant operation, the U.S. Coast Guard seized more than 4,500 pounds of cocaine valued at nearly $34 million from a suspected “narcoterrorist” vessel in the Eastern Pacific on Easter Sunday. This operation was reported by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which outlined the details of the seizure.
The Coast Guard cutter Escanaba was alerted by a maritime patrol aircraft that the crew of the suspected vessel was discarding contraband overboard. In response, the Coast Guard deployed an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew to investigate the vessel, which was located off the coast of Manta, Ecuador. Following the investigation, the Escanaba crew deployed a cutter pursuit boat and successfully recovered over 4,510 pounds of cocaine.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that this seizure was part of Operation Pacific Viper, a counter-drug initiative launched in August 2025 aimed at disrupting drug trafficking in the region. Mullin emphasized that Operation Pacific Viper is central to President Trump’s efforts to combat cartels at sea, aiming to cut off their financial resources by preventing the trafficking of illegal drugs into the United States.
“This operation has already seized over 215,000 pounds of cocaine and has arrested over 160 suspected narco-traffickers,” Mullin noted. He praised the Coast Guard personnel for their bravery, stating, “The brave men and women of the Coast Guard are saving American lives by keeping these deadly drugs out of our communities and off our streets.”
The DHS highlighted that the Coast Guard’s efforts are a crucial component of the Trump administration’s initiative to combat narcoterrorism and dismantle transnational criminal organizations. Operation Pacific Viper has achieved notable successes, including the Coast Guard’s largest drug seizure in its history, with more than 76,000 pounds of illegal drugs recovered in August 2025, valued at $473 million. The operation also included nearly 50,000 pounds of illicit drugs seized in November 2025, worth approximately $362 million.
As the Coast Guard continues its mission to disrupt drug trafficking, these recent seizures underscore the ongoing battle against narcotics and the dedication of law enforcement to protect communities across the nation. For further updates on national news and significant law enforcement efforts, stay connected with hiphopraisedmetheblog.com.
