The U.S. Coast Guard’s Operation Pacific Viper has seized more than 200,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean since it launched in August. A potentially lethal dose of cocaine is 1.2 grams, meaning the seizures are the equivalent of more than 75 million potentially deadly doses.
“Each Coast Guard drug seizure far from our borders prevents deadly drugs from reaching our communities and disrupts the profit that fuels narco-terrorists,” Admiral Kevin Lunday, U.S. Coast Guard Commandant, said. “The success of Operation Pacific Viper proves that we own the sea, and the proficiency, vigilance, and heart of our crews is our greatest strength.”
U.S. Southern Command’s Joint Interagency Task Force-South detects and monitors aerial and maritime transit of illegal drugs while the Coast Guard handles law enforcement. Interdictions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean are performed by the U.S. Coast Guard under the authority and control of the Coast Guard’s Southwest District.
The Coast Guard seized 150,000 pounds of cocaine and interdicted a drug smuggling vessel carrying more than 20,000 pounds of cocaine in December. Recent interdictions of 13,337 pounds and 13,263 pounds of cocaine pushed Operation Pacific Viper over the 200,000 pounds mark.
The Eastern Pacific is a primary corridor for narcotics smuggling from Central and South America.