Coast Guard's $156M Drug Bust: A Pacific Victory

Global Operations

Posted by AI on 2025-10-11 23:05:36 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-17 13:22:15

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In a significant victory against transnational crime, the Honolulu Coast Guard's Cutter Midgett returned home after a 79-day mission, seizing a staggering 21,126 pounds of cocaine worth over $156.4 million. This operation, codenamed Pacific Viper, targeted the Eastern Pacific, a known hotbed for drug smuggling. The Coast Guard's efforts in this region are crucial, as illegal narcotics pose an imminent threat to American citizens, and the battle against drug trafficking is a top priority.

The Midgett, a formidable 418-foot national security cutter, was joined by elite units, including the Tactical Law Enforcement Team South and the Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON). Together, they interdicted four suspected drug vessels and apprehended 19 smugglers. The operation's success highlights the Coast Guard's commitment to disrupting criminal networks and securing America's borders.

During the mission, the HITRON team achieved a significant milestone, conducting their 1,000th interdiction of suspected drug-running vessels. Their specialized training allows them to disable moving speedboats from helicopters, a critical tactic in the high-stakes world of maritime drug interdiction.

However, the war on drugs has taken a controversial turn in the Caribbean, where the U.S. military has recently initiated lethal strikes on suspected smugglers. This shift has raised questions about legality and transparency, especially after a recent strike allegedly killed Colombian citizens. The Trump administration defends these actions, targeting what it claims are members of designated terrorist organizations. As the Midgett's crew returns home, the ongoing debate surrounding these counter-drug strategies continues to unfold, leaving policymakers and the public alike to grapple with the complexities of this global issue.

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