The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has seized more than 469,000 pounds of cocaine since Jan. 20, 2025, under the Trump administration. The number is enough to kill up to 177 million Americans at a 1.2g lethal dose, the Department of Homeland Security said on social media.
“During Operation Pacific Viper, USCGC Stone offloaded approximately 49,010 pounds of illicit narcotics worth more than $362 million at Port Everglades, Florida,” DHS noted. “This offload marks the largest amount of cocaine seized by a single cutter in one patrol in Coast Guard history.”
In December, the Coast Guard seized 27,500 pounds of cocaine in San Diego worth approximately $203 million. Also in December, the Coast Guard seized more than 150,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
“Operation Pacific Viper has proven to be a crucial weapon in the fight against foreign drug traffickers and cartels in Latin America and has sent a clear message that we will disrupt, dismantle and destroy their deadly business exploits wherever we find them,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said at the time. “In cutting off the flow of these deadly drugs, the Coast Guard is saving countless American lives and delivering on President Trump’s promise to Make America Safe Again and reestablish our maritime dominance.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized 935 pounds of cocaine hidden inside a cargo trailer on December 24. “Our officers remain vigilant and dedicated to protecting our borders, even during the holiday season,” San Juan Area Port Director Kian Tomas said of the matter. “This seizure highlights the commitment and professionalism of our team in preventing dangerous drugs from reaching our communities.
