US Coast Guard Destroys Drug Vessel, Seizes 13,000 Pounds Cocaine

The U.S. Coast Guard, as part of Operation Pacific Viper initiated under President Donald Trump's administration, conducted three interdictions in one weekend, seizing nearly 13,000 pounds of cocaine and apprehending seven suspected drug smugglers. The Department of Homeland Security released video footage showing the Coast Guard Cutter Stone capturing, then burning and sinking a suspected drug boat in the Eastern Pacific Ocean to disrupt narcotics transport from South America. This operation follows a recent U.S. military strike against a Venezuelan drug cartel vessel, which President Trump highlighted as part of a broader campaign to combat foreign drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations. The Trump administration has significantly increased military presence in the Caribbean near Venezuela to halt drug trafficking routes, deploying numerous warships, aircraft, and personnel. Operation Pacific Viper has resulted in record drug seizures, including a historic offload of over 76,000 pounds of illegal drugs earlier in August. While the aggressive tactics have been supported by administration officials as a necessary war on cartels, some legal experts have raised concerns about potential international law violations regarding military strikes traditionally managed by the Coast Guard.