The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Seneca has intercepted a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, seizing about 4,400 pounds of cocaine and detaining three suspected traffickers. The seized drugs are valued at over $33 million.
The interception took place northwest of Ecuador as part of Operation Pacific Viper, a mission targeting drug trafficking routes used by criminal organisations moving narcotics from South America to the United States.
The operation aims to stop shipments before they reach American shores.
The Coast Guard said the operation involved an airborne use-of-force stop carried out by its Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON), which allowed the Seneca crew to stop the high-speed “go-fast” vessel.
These boats are commonly used by traffickers because of their speed and low radar visibility.
Defending America through Operation Pacific Viper.
Earlier this week, the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Seneca interdicted a go-fast vessel NW of Ecuador following an airborne use-of-force stop
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