Coast Guard
Coast Guard seizes more than 225,000 pounds of cocaine since start of Operation Pacific Viper
Stars and Stripes
June 18, 2026
The U.S. Coast Guard stops a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Eastern Pacific. While on patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bear seized 7,707 pounds of cocaine after an embarked helicopter crew disabled the vessels, U.S. Southern Command said Wednesday. (U.S. Coast Guard)
The Coast Guard’s cocaine seizures during Operation Pacific Viper exceeded 225,000 pounds over the weekend after crews interdicted two suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Eastern Pacific.
While on patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bear seized 7,707 pounds of cocaine after an embarked helicopter crew disabled the vessels, U.S. Southern Command said Wednesday. Six suspected narcoterrorists were apprehended.
“We own the sea,” said Adm. Kevin Lunday, commandant of the Coast Guard. “Our forces conducting Operation Pacific Viper continue to defeat the cartels and stop the flow of deadly drugs to the United States.”
Operation Pacific Viper has cracked down on drug operations in the Eastern Pacific since August 2025. More than 93 million doses of cocaine have been disrupted from flowing into the U.S., according to SOUTHCOM.
“Operation Pacific Viper stands as a decisive force against narco-terrorists, sending an unmistakable message that we will not allow them to profit off the poisoning of our people,” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said.