UPDATE: The US Coast Guard has just announced a groundbreaking seizure of over 49,000 pounds of cocaine valued at more than $362 million, marking the largest haul ever captured by a single cutter. This monumental offload occurred at Port Everglades, Florida, on Wednesday, highlighting an urgent victory in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking.
The Coast Guard Cutter Stone, part of a pivotal operation dubbed Operation Pacific Viper, executed a total of 15 interdictions during its recent deployment in the eastern Pacific. Notably, three vessels were intercepted in a single night, thanks to the innovative use of a new reconnaissance drone—the MQ-35 V-BAT—which provided crucial aerial surveillance to track drug smugglers.
Vice Adm. Moore, commander of Coast Guard Atlantic Area, stated, “
What you see behind me is more than just a pile of cocaine. It represents a tangible victory in our ongoing fight against transnational criminal organizations and narcoterrorism.
” The cocaine primarily originated from Colombia, reinforcing the ongoing challenges faced in counter-narcotics efforts.
This deployment, which began in August, has proven vital as the Coast Guard accelerates its counter-drug missions, achieving record numbers in drug interdictions. In fiscal year 2025, the Coast Guard has already seized almost 510,000 pounds of cocaine, the most in its history.
The Stone’s deployment witnessed the drone spotting its first target in dark waters, prompting immediate action from the crew. Capt. Anne O’Connell, commanding officer of the Stone, remarked on the drone’s pivotal role, stating, “The V-BAT allowed us to monitor surrounding areas while completing the boarding, which can take from two to eight hours.”
During that fateful night, the crew seized a total of 12,000 pounds of cocaine and apprehended seven suspected narcotics traffickers. The drone’s ability to provide continuous surveillance while the boarding team conducted operations proved essential in this high-stakes environment.
The V-BAT drone, developed by Shield AI, is designed for rapid deployment and can operate in challenging conditions, including winds up to 25 knots. Its use marks a significant technological advancement for the Coast Guard, allowing for greater efficiency in vast operational areas.
As the Coast Guard refines its tactics and expands its capabilities, officials emphasize that the true strength lies in the dedicated personnel. Capt. O’Connell stated, “The secret sauce is our people, and they are what makes us successful.”
As this story develops, further updates on the Coast Guard’s ongoing operations and future deployments are anticipated. This record-breaking seizure not only showcases the effectiveness of innovative technology in law enforcement but also underscores the steadfast commitment of the Coast Guard to combat drug trafficking on a massive scale.