The U.S. Coast Guard made a significant dent in the drug smuggling operations proliferating across the Eastern Pacific, with the Cutter Waesche offloading around 37,256 pounds of cocaine in San Diego. These narcotics, valued at over $275 million, were intercepted over three months, as reported by the U.S. Coast Guard. The seizures occurred during various operations off the coasts of Mexico and Central and South America.

Working through the challenges posed by the sea itself and the cunning of traffickers, the Waesche's crew successfully conducted 11 interdictions from December to February. "Their dedication, strength of character, and resilience ensured the success of our mission, preventing over $275 million worth of illicit narcotics from reaching the United States and protecting our communities from the devastating effects of transnational crime," said Capt. Tyson Scofield, the Waesche's commanding officer, told the U.S. Coast Guard.

The fight against the drug cartels involves a multi-agency approach, with the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security at the forefront. This expansive network includes the Navy, Customs and Border Protection, FBI, DEA, ICE, and a host of allied international partners, all aligned to suppress these transnational criminals.

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean, the unity of efforts across different organizations leads the charge in the fight against drug cartels, from detection to prosecution. Conducting these operations under the authority of the Eleventh Coast Guard District, members of the U.S. Coast Guard spearhead the boardings and interdictions, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard's increased operations in the Southern Pacific aim to hinder the transshipment of drugs like cocaine, which empower cartels and criminals to produce and traffic substances, such as the increasingly prevalent illegal fentanyl.