The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton has achieved a historic milestone by offloading over 76,000 pounds of illegal drugs, valued at $473 million, at Port Everglades, Florida.
This record-breaking operation is part of Operation Pacific Viper, a joint effort with the U.S. Navy to combat drug and human smuggling in international waters.
Operation Pacific Viper represents a significant collaboration between the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy, aiming to intercept narcotics before they reach American shores.
The interdictions took place in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea between June and August 2025, reflecting heightened efforts to secure maritime borders.
The operation involved 19 successful interdictions, resulting in the seizure of approximately 61,740 pounds of cocaine and 14,400 pounds of marijuana.
Rear Adm. Adam Chamie praised the crew’s dedication and bravery in executing these dangerous missions that are crucial for national security.
International Cooperation
The success of Operation Pacific Viper was bolstered by international partnerships. The Royal Netherlands Navy provided assistance during interdictions, showcasing strong diplomatic relations and shared goals in combating transnational crime.
This cooperation underscores the importance of global alliances in addressing complex security challenges.
Operational Achievements
- Largest drug offload in Coast Guard history.
- 19 successful interdictions conducted.
- Collaboration with U.S. Navy and international partners.
- Seizure potentially prevented millions of lethal doses from reaching communities.
Strategic Implications
- Enhances national security by reducing drug flow into the U.S.
- Protects economic interests by mitigating social and healthcare costs associated with illegal drugs.
- Strengthens foreign policy through international cooperation against transnational crime.
Additional Reading
To Summarize
The unprecedented success of Operation Pacific Viper highlights the effectiveness of strategic partnerships in combating illicit trafficking on an international scale.
By intercepting substantial quantities of narcotics before they reach U.S. shores, this operation not only enhances national security but also strengthens diplomatic ties with global allies committed to fighting transnational crime.
Sources: U.S. Coast Guard, CBS News, and CityNews.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
