Kristi Noem, DHS Secretary | official facebook
The Department of Homeland Security has reported that the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has seized more than 100,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean since the start of Operation Pacific Viper in early August.
Operation Pacific Viper involves an increase in USCG forces targeting drug cartels and criminal organizations to prevent drugs and human smuggling from reaching the United States. The operation has averaged about 1,600 pounds of cocaine interdicted each day and has resulted in 34 total interdictions since its launch.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated, “Operation Pacific Viper has proven to be a crucial weapon in the fight against foreign drug traffickers and cartels in Latin America and has sent a clear message that we will disrupt, dismantle, and destroy their deadly business exploits wherever we find it. In cutting off the flow of these deadly drugs, the Coast Guard is saving countless American lives and delivering on President Trump's promise to Make America Safe Again and reestablish our maritime dominance.”
Rear Adm. Jeffrey Novak, deputy commander of U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area, said, “The Coast Guard’s seizure of over 100,000 pounds of cocaine, in such a short timeframe, is a remarkable achievement. When we say the Coast Guard is accelerating counter-narcotics operations, we mean it. Alongside our partners and allies, our maritime fighting force is scouring drug smuggling routes in the Eastern Pacific and dismantling narco-terrorist networks. We are complementing the Coast Guard’s unique law enforcement authorities with cutting-edge capabilities to stop the flow of deadly drugs that threaten U.S. communities. As we mark our interdiction of 100,000 pounds, we are already working towards the next milestone."
In August, Operation Pacific Viper led to what officials described as the largest drug offload in USCG history when USCGC Hamilton delivered over 76,000 pounds of illegal drugs—valued at $473 million—to Port Everglades. This shipment included approximately 61,740 pounds of cocaine and about 14,400 pounds of marijuana.
Secretary Noem also announced earlier this week that an initiative was implemented to ensure USCG personnel would continue receiving pay during the government shutdown through measures supported by President Trump.
Operation Pacific Viper remains ongoing as USCG continues its efforts under Secretary Noem’s leadership to address threats from drug traffickers and transnational criminal organizations.
