The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Active has successfully offloaded an impressive haul of cocaine, valued at approximately $203.9 million, at the port of San Diego, according to a Coast Guard news release. Weighing in at around 27,551 pounds, this catch is the result of three separate interdictions targeting suspected drug-smuggling vessels off the coasts of Mexico, Central America, and South America. Notably, two of these operations were carried out by the Active's crew, while members of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro undertook the third.
Cmdr. Earl Potter, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Active, lauded his crew's performance under the grueling circumstances they faced at sea. "I could not be prouder of this crew," Potter told the Coast Guard news release. "Their determination, resilience, and professionalism make it possible to complete these dynamic and dangerous missions at sea. The conditions are tough, hours are long, and demands are high, but this team always maintains focus. The crew’s commitment to protecting our nation and keeping drugs off our streets is what defines the Active’s legacy."
The interdictions were part of Operation Pacific Viper, an ongoing Coast Guard surge initiative to disrupt the operations of transnational criminal organizations and curb the influx of illegal drugs into the United States. By ramping up efforts in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and collaborating with international and interagency partners, the U.S. Coast Guard aims to protect communities from the harm inflicted by substances such as cocaine and synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
The USCGC Active, based in Port Angeles, Washington, is a 210-foot medium-endurance cutter equipped with two small boats. It serves various missions across the Eastern Pacific, including search and rescue, counter-narcotics operations, living marine resources protection, and homeland defense, providing a vital link in the U.S. Coast Guard's mission to secure the maritime borders and prevent the proliferation of illicit drugs.
