Coast Guard’s Munro makes largest at-sea cocaine bust in 18+ years in Eastern Pacific
In the Eastern Pacific, the Coast Guard cutter Munro seized about 20,000 pounds of cocaine in what the service called the largest at‑sea interdiction in more than 18 years. USCG video shows a helicopter crew disabling the engines of a noncompliant go‑fast vessel before Munro recovered the drugs; the agency said the action was part of Operation Pacific Viper but did not disclose the fate of those aboard, and it comes amid recent controversy over lethal maritime strikes.
📌 Key Facts
- The Coast Guard’s cutter Munro seized roughly 20,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific, a seizure the USCG publicly called the largest at-sea interdiction in more than 18 years.
- The USCG released video of the operation and said a helicopter crew disabled a non‑compliant go‑fast vessel before Munro recovered the drugs.
- Authorities did not disclose the fate of the people seen aboard the interdicted vessel.
- The interdiction was conducted as part of Operation Pacific Viper.
- The seizure and its handling come amid broader controversy over recent lethal maritime strikes, providing wider context for the operation.
📊 Relevant Data
Global estimated illegal production of cocaine rose to more than 3,708 tons in 2023, an increase of around a third from the previous year.
Global cocaine boom keeps setting new records, UN report says — Reuters
In fiscal year 2024, among individuals sentenced for federal drug trafficking offenses, 44.4% were Hispanic, 28.5% were Black, 23.8% were White, and 3.3% were of other races.
Drug Trafficking — United States Sentencing Commission
In 2023, the US population was approximately 58.9% non-Hispanic White, 13.6% Black, 19.1% Hispanic, 6.3% Asian, 1.3% Native American, 0.3% Pacific Islander, and 3.0% multiracial.
Demographics of the United States — Wikipedia
Increases in cocaine-involved overdose deaths among non-Hispanic Black persons from 2018 to 2023 were driven by deaths co-involving cocaine and opioids, with possible factors including increased drug potency, differential access to health care and treatments, and later proliferation of illegally manufactured fentanyls in southern U.S. drug markets where Black persons disproportionately live.
Drug Overdose Deaths Involving Stimulants ― United States, 2018–2023 — CDC
📰 Sources (2)
- USCG publicly characterized the seizure as the largest at-sea interdiction in more than 18 years.
- USCG released video and stated a helicopter crew disabled the non‑compliant go‑fast vessel before Munro seized the drugs.
- USCG did not disclose the fate of the people seen aboard the interdicted vessel.
- Places the action within Operation Pacific Viper and notes broader context of recent lethal maritime strikes controversy.