Coast Guard arrests suspected drug smugglers in viral open-ocean interdiction

A viral video from the U.S. Coast Guard shows crew members of the Cutter Kimball executing a swift drug interdiction against smugglers in the eastern Pacific Ocean on April 17. The operation, captured by Petty Officer 3rd Class Austin Wiley, features service members commanding the suspects to surrender, which they promptly did, leading to arrests. In total, the Kimball has conducted five operations, recovering $214 million worth of drugs and emphasizing the Coast Guard’s commitment to combating illegal drug trafficking that threatens American safety.