The vast expanse of the Eastern Pacific became a battleground in a relentless war against the flow of illicit drugs. A Coast Guard helicopter sniper, with unwavering precision, disabled the engine of a speeding drug boat, a dramatic intervention in a larger, ongoing operation.
This single event unfolded as part of Operation Pacific Viper, a concerted effort that yielded an astonishing seizure: over 20,000 pounds of cocaine recovered in a single day. The sheer volume represents more than 7.5 million potentially lethal doses prevented from reaching American streets.
Newly obtained footage reveals the critical moment – the sniper’s calculated shot bringing the vessel to a halt. Immediately following, a Coast Guard cutter moved in, securing the massive drug haul and effectively dismantling a key link in the trafficking chain.
Operation Pacific Viper, launched in August, represents a collaborative push between the Coast Guard and Navy. Its core mission is to disrupt the relentless stream of illegal narcotics heading towards the United States, aligning with a broader strategy to dismantle the power of drug cartels operating in Latin America.
By October, the operation had already yielded an impressive 100,000 pounds of cocaine seized from the eastern Pacific. This equates to an average of 1,600 pounds intercepted *each day*, a testament to the intensity and effectiveness of the ongoing effort.
Throughout the year, U.S. military forces have successfully neutralized 22 vessels engaged in narco-terrorism. These decisive actions demonstrate a commitment to confronting the threat at its source, disrupting the operations of those who profit from the devastation caused by illegal drugs.
Recent scrutiny arose following a second, necessary engagement with a vessel. Initial reports misconstrued the situation, but it was revealed that traffickers had attempted to salvage their cargo, necessitating a follow-up strike to ensure the complete disruption of their operation and prevent further criminal activity.
