…USCGC Tampa Interdicts Four Vessels in One Week, Operation Pacific Viper Hits New Milestone
The United States Coast Guard has announced the seizure of more than 25,000 pounds of cocaine in international waters off Central America, following a series of interdictions by the USCGC Tampa (WMEC 902).
CDA News Nigeria reports that the Coast Guard disclosed that the Tampa’s boarding team and aircrew intercepted four vessels back-to-back during a single week of operations.
CDA News Nigeria gathered that the seizures began with a go-fast vessel carrying 6,800 pounds of cocaine. Four days later, two additional vessels were intercepted with a combined 15,000 pounds. The following day, another go-fast vessel was stopped with over 3,400 pounds seized. The total for the week exceeded 25,000 pounds, which authorities estimate represents about 9.5 million potentially deadly doses that will not reach U.S. communities.
The operation pushed Operation Pacific Viper past a new milestone of over 262,000 pounds of cocaine seized in the Eastern Pacific. Operation Pacific Viper is the Coast Guard’s counter-narcotics push targeting drug smuggling routes running from South America through Central American waters.
The Coast Guard explained that go-fast boats remain the primary method traffickers use to move bulk cocaine at sea, and that interdicting them in international waters disrupts the supply chain before the drugs reach land.
CDA News Nigeria reports that the figures and operation details are attributed to the United States Coast Guard.
Source verification: Original reporting based on an official announcement by the United States Coast Guard.
Editorial Policy: CDA News Nigeria is committed to accurate and balanced reporting on international security matters.
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