By Charlie McCarthy | Thursday, 06 November 2025 09:33 AM EST
The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted nearly 510,000 pounds of cocaine between October 2024 and last month, marking the largest drug seizure in the service’s history, according to a source. The estimated street value of the haul is $3.8 billion, equivalent to approximately 193 million potential doses prevented from reaching U.S. communities.
The seized amount triples the average annual interception and exceeds the previous record set in 2017 by roughly 55,000 pounds. A Coast Guard source attributed the success to increased efforts in the Caribbean region, where resources were redirected amid a government shutdown affecting personnel pay.
Operations such as “Pacific Viper,” launched in August, contributed significantly to the results, with over 100,000 pounds of cocaine seized in its first two months. Officials highlighted enhanced coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and the Navy as key factors in the crackdown.
While the Coast Guard emphasized progress, officials acknowledged limitations, noting that only 10% to 15% of illegal drugs entering the U.S. are intercepted. Fentanyl, typically smuggled via land borders in smaller quantities, was not among the seized narcotics this year.
A senior official stated that disrupting cocaine production and cartel revenue remains a priority, underscoring the focus on maritime enforcement as traffickers adapt to tightened border security.
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
