OAN Staff Addie Davis
7:36 AM – Thursday, June 18, 2026
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) seized a total of more than 225,000 pounds of cocaine through Operation Pacific Viper, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed.
The DHS reported on Wednesday that the USCG had disabled two alleged drug smuggling vessels in the Eastern Pacific over the weekend, seizing more than 7,700 pounds of cocaine and surpassing the key milestone. The incidents also led to the detention of six individuals suspected of narco-terrorism.
“The total amount of cocaine seized through Operation Pacific Viper is equivalent to more than 93 million deadly doses,” the department stated.
Launched in August 2025, Operation Pacific Viper conducts counter-drug operations in the Eastern Pacific, which the DHS explained is a popular corridor for the smuggling of narcotics from Central and South America.
The department also claimed that 80% of seizures of narcotics heading to the U.S. happen at sea, showcasing the vital work of maritime interdiction efforts.
“We own the sea,” said Admiral 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.”
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin also highlighted the milestone, stressing its real impact on Americans.
“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,” Mullin said.
“The U.S. Coast Guard has prevented more than 225,000 pounds of cocaine from reaching American communities since our operation began. Under President Trump, we are dismantling drug cartels and saving American lives,” he continued.
In November, the USCG announced that it had seized almost 510,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean during the 2025 fiscal year, a massive jump from previous years, with the Coast Guard claiming it seized on average 167,000 pounds of cocaine per year.
The administration of President Donald Trump has taken an aggressive approach to address drug-trafficking in the Western Hemisphere, including launching Operation Southern Spear in September. The operation has conducted several lethal strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels.
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