The U.S. Coast Guard seized over 4,500 pounds of cocaine valued at nearly $34 million from a suspected “narco-terrorist” vessel in the Eastern Pacific on Easter Sunday. The cutter Escanaba was alerted by a maritime patrol aircraft that the crew was discarding contraband. An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter was dispatched to investigate the vessel near Manta, Ecuador, where the Coast Guard later recovered the cocaine. This operation is part of Operation Pacific Viper, a counter-drug initiative launched in August 2025, aimed at disrupting drug trafficking in the region. The operation has resulted in the seizure of more than 215,000 pounds of cocaine and the arrest of over 160 suspected traffickers.
Why It Matters
The seizure is part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to combat narco-terrorism and dismantle transnational criminal organizations. Since its inception, Operation Pacific Viper has recorded significant drug seizures, including the Coast Guard’s largest-ever seizure of over 76,000 pounds of illegal drugs in August 2025, valued at $473 million. These operations are critical in addressing the flow of illegal drugs into the United States, which has contributed to the ongoing opioid crisis and increased violence related to drug trafficking activities. The Coast Guard’s continued efforts exemplify the U.S. commitment to maritime security and counter-narcotics operations in collaboration with international partners.
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