The United States Coast Guard and Navy deliver a historic blow to drug trafficking: more than 34,000 kilograms (74,957 pounds) of cocaine seized and 59 people arrested in just two months
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The United States reported the seizure of more than 34 metric tons (74,957 pounds) of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific over the past two months, as part of Operation Pacific Viper, a joint deployment by the Coast Guard and Navy aimed at curbing the transit of drugs from South America.
Since its inception, the operation has resulted in 20 interdictions, averaging 820 kilograms (1,808 pounds) of cocaine seized per day, along with the arrest of 59 suspected drug traffickers. The Department of Homeland Security described the campaign as a true "crackdown on the cartels."
Trump and the hardline policy against the cartels
The offensive follows the hardline approach promoted by Donald Trump to confront drug trafficking and organized crime. Vice Admiral Jeffrey Novak of the Coast Guard emphasized: "The milestone achieved with Operation Pacific Viper reflects our commitment to dismantling transnational criminal and terrorist organizations."
The forcefulness of the operation makes it clear that Washington is not limited to containment, but is advancing in the direct neutralization of narco-terrorist groups, including the feared Tren de Aragua, whose members were killed in recent operations against vessels coming from Venezuela.
Combate contra el narcoterrorismo: EEUU incauta 34 toneladas de cocaína en el Pacífico
Interdictions from Galápagos to the Caribbean
Images released by the Coast Guard showed the seizure of 2,500 kilograms (5,512 pounds) of cocaine on a low-profile vessel northeast of the Galápagos Islands on September 10. These seizures demonstrate the geographic reach of the operation, which extends thousands of kilometers (miles) in open sea.
The strategy combines satellite monitoring, naval intelligence, and international collaboration, intercepting speedboats, homemade semi-submersibles, and ships loaded with drugs destined for the U.S. market.
Combate contra el narcoterrorismo: EEUU incauta 34 toneladas de cocaína en el Pacífico
Cooperation and continuity of the offensive
The Joint Interagency Task Force South, based in Florida, coordinates operations together with Southern Command and police and naval authorities from allied countries. This international cooperation framework strengthens the United States' ability to strike drug trafficking routes in the maritime corridor connecting South America with North America.
Official spokespersons confirmed that Operation Pacific Viper will be maintained on an ongoing basis, with greater tactical deployment and shared intelligence to neutralize new routes used by the cartels.
