The United States Coast Guard (US Coast Guard) successfully identified and stopped four drug smuggling boats in a large operation in the Eastern Pacific. This operation was conducted over a six-day period and led to the arrest of several suspected traffickers.
Details of the Successful Operation
The first boat suspected of carrying 6,800 pounds of cocaine was identified on the first day of the operation. Four days later, the Coast Guard stopped two other boats that were carrying a total of 15,000 pounds of cocaine. Finally, a fourth boat was also caught with 3,400 pounds of cocaine. One of the boats was a "Go-Fast" type equipped with extra fuel supplies for a quick getaway.
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Results and Consequences of the Operation
These arrests brought the total amount of cocaine seized by the US Coast Guard's "Pacific Viper" intervention program to 260,000 pounds. These successes were achieved while the Coast Guard faced intense competition from the Air Force and US Special Operations, which were simultaneously targeting similar smuggling activities.
Additionally, the United States Navy and the Marine Corps, under the command of the US Southern Command, are also stopping the fuel supply stations of smugglers at sea. These stations are usually large local fishing vessels equipped to supply fuel to smuggling boats.
Marine teams, supported by armed helicopters and at least one amphibious ship, stop these boats, evacuate their crews, and then destroy the moving hulls. These operations also provide an opportunity for shooting practice.
The Southern Command is also continuing a parallel program of lethal strikes, particularly in the Caribbean Sea. Reports indicate that this command has recently recorded its seventieth public strike against a suspected smuggling vessel. In the latest strike, three people were killed.
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