Coast Guard’s $46 Million Cocaine ‘Triple Threat’ Bust Off Columbian Coast

The U.S. Coast Guard’s latest narcotics interdiction involved three suspected smuggling vessels carrying approximately 6,085 pounds of cocaine worth nearly $45.8 million, the service announced Thursday.

The announcement comes on the heels of a banner 2025 year for the Coast Guard, which seized a record-high of more than 511,000 pounds of cocaine—more than three times the service’s annual average. Other successful efforts have been attributed to counter-narcotics operations through Operation Pacific Viper, which was launched in August 2025 to combat drug smuggling and narco-terrorism in the Eastern Pacific Ocean by using aircraft, cutters and tactical teams to disrupt trafficking routes from South and Central America known for shipping cocaine and other illicit drugs.

As of April 2026, more than 215,000 pounds of cocaine have been seized since August due to Operation Pacific Viper, resulting in roughly 160 suspected narco-traffickers being apprehended. About 80% of drug interdictions occur at sea, per the Coast Guard.

The latest interdiction occurred May 8, approximately 90 miles off Cartagena, Colombia, where the cutter Tahoma’s crew launched two small boats and deployed Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron aircrew to stop all three vessels. USCG said that the seizure represents 2.3 million potentially lethal doses of cocaine prevented from reaching the U.S. mainland.

The 270-foot Tahoma, described as a medium endurance cutter, calls Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, home, which is under the authority of U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command.

The following assets and crews participated in this particular interdiction:

• Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma
• Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron
• Joint Interagency Task Force South
• Coast Guard Southeast District watchstanders

Although the end result was accomplished, Coast Guard personnel had to deploy different tactics and craft to successfully mitigate the drug trafficking. That included using aerial force against one non-compliant vessel, including precision sniper fire directed at the engines aimed to compel the vessel to stop. It led to smugglers jumping overboard.

The aircrew released multiple personal flotation devices, safely rescuing the suspected smugglers who sustained no injuries. Stopping the other two vessels was accomplished with relative ease.

“Interdicting three vessels simultaneously is a testament to the unwavering professionalism, precision, and dedication of our crews,” said Cmdr. Nolan Cuevas, Tahoma’s commanding officer, in a statement. “This interdiction prevented a significant number of illegal narcotics from reaching America’s shores, and their teamwork underscores the Coast Guard’s mission to protect our nation and saving lives.”

Executing such a complex mission demands the highest proficiency from our crew. Our success required the integration of thoughtful training, carefully planned logistics and joint coordination. We are very proud of our efforts to prevent illicit networks from threatening our security.

The Coast Guard said that approximately 8,185 pounds of seized narcotics worth approximately $61.6 million was offloaded on Thursday at Port Everglades, located in Fort Lauderdale within Florida’s Broward County.