Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma Seizes Three Tons Of Cocaine Off Colombia
The Coast Guard cutter Tahoma seized roughly three tons of cocaine on Saturday, May 9, 2026, after stopping three suspected smuggling boats about 90 miles off Cartagena, Colombia.[1]
Tahoma's helicopter crew used aerial use-of-force tactics, including sniper fire aimed at a vessel's engines, to stop one noncompliant boat, and occupants were later rescued uninjured after jumping overboard.[1] Officials said the interdiction yielded about 6,085 pounds of cocaine, an estimated $45.8 million worth, which will be offloaded at Port Everglades, Florida.[1] Photos show crews later burned and sank the three seized smuggling boats after removing the suspects and contraband.[1]
On Saturday, May 9, 2026, the cutter interdicted three suspected smuggling boats about 90 miles off Cartagena.[1] When one vessel refused commands, helicopter fire disabled its engines and personnel abandoned ship, and Coast Guard teams recovered the people without injuries.[1] After suspects and contraband were taken aboard, crews scuttled the vessels, according to images released by authorities.[1]
Show source details & analysis (1 source)
📌 Key Facts
- On Saturday, May 9, 2026, the Coast Guard cutter Tahoma interdicted three suspected drug-smuggling boats about 90 miles off Cartagena, Colombia.
- Tahoma’s helicopter crew used aerial use-of-force tactics, including sniper fire at the engines, to stop one non-compliant vessel whose occupants were then rescued uninjured after jumping overboard.
- The operation seized approximately 6,085 pounds of cocaine worth about $45.8 million, which will be offloaded at Port Everglades, Florida.
- Photos show the three seized smuggling boats later set ablaze and sunk after crews removed suspects and contraband.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time