In a sweeping crackdown on international drug trafficking, U.S. Navy and Coast Guard forces—working alongside international partners—have intercepted a staggering 329 tons of cocaine, valued at nearly $8 billion, over the past nine months. The massive haul represents the equivalent of 266 million doses of cocaine that will never reach American communities.
These record-setting seizures are part of Operation Martillo, a collaborative effort led by the Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S) under U.S. Southern Command. The operation focuses on disrupting drug-smuggling corridors along the coastal waters of Central America.
High-Stakes Interdictions Across the Pacific and Caribbean
One recent bust came from the USS Sampson, a U.S. Navy Destroyer operating under U.S. Northern Command in the Pacific. During a routine patrol, its crew intercepted a vessel carrying 7,850 pounds of cocaine, valued at $58.1 million. The three individuals aboard were arrested, and the smuggling boat was destroyed at sea to prevent future use.
Elsewhere, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also played a major role. A CBP P-3 Orion aircraft tracked a suspicious plane over the Caribbean. Upon landing, authorities seized 880 pounds of cocaine from the aircraft, and all three smugglers were apprehended by international law enforcement at an undisclosed location.
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Smuggling Attempt Thwarted Off California Coast
Closer to home, the U.S. Coast Guard recently intercepted a small disabled vessel drifting near San Diego, California. On board were seven individuals, identified as undocumented migrants from Mexico and Chile, including two unaccompanied minors. The group was turned over to U.S. Border Patrol for processing.
Coordinated Efforts Making an Impact
These seizures highlight the effectiveness of coordinated operations between U.S. military branches, federal agencies, and international partners in combating the flow of illegal narcotics into the United States.
As drug cartels continue to adapt their tactics, the U.S. remains committed to maintaining a strong presence across key smuggling routes, using advanced surveillance, intelligence sharing, and maritime interdiction strategies to disrupt trafficking networks before they reach American shores.
