The seized contraband was the result of six interdictions in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
“This crew was phenomenal in successfully stopping a combined 32,000 pounds of contraband from reaching American shores,” said Capt. Joshua DiPietro, commanding officer of Tampa. “By honing their maritime skills, standing the watch and working together, they intercepted over $226 million in illicit narcotics. Their resounding teamwork during complex operations is astounding. I commend them on their tremendous tenacity and true camaraderie as they worked through long days and nights to successfully complete difficult cases and continue the disruption of transnational criminal organizations.”
The following assets and crews were involved in the interdiction operations:
- Coast Guard Cutter Tampa
- U.S. Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team – Pacific, LEDET 102
- Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron
- Joint Interagency Task Force South
- Coast Guard Southwest District
- USS Gridley
Coast Guard Cutter Tampa‘s offload continues the Coast Guard’s mission to interdict, seize, and disrupt transshipment of cocaine and other bulk illicit drugs by sea. The Coast Guard’s persistent operations and rapid response have denied criminal organizations billions in illicit revenue and prevented the flow of dangerous drugs into American communities.
“The Coast Guard continues to leverage its authorities and partnerships across the Western Hemisphere to degrade Transnational Criminal Organizations’ ability to harm American communities,” said Vice Adm. Jo-Ann Burdian, commander Atlantic Area. “Success stories like these highlight our commitment to continuing to control, secure, and defend the nation’s maritime borders and approaches.”
The U.S. Coast Guard works alongside local, state, federal, and international partners to detect, disrupt, and deter transnational criminal organizations and illicit maritime trafficking in support of Operation Pacific Viper. Operating under the Coast Guard’s Title 14 law enforcement authorities, and with critical support from partner nations, these unified efforts span every stage of counter-drug operations from initial detection and monitoring to maritime interdiction and criminal prosecution. Focused on critical regions such as the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Southwest District’s area of responsibility, the Coast Guard is part of a whole-of-government approach to combat transnational organized crime.
Coast Guard Cutter Tampa is a 270-foot medium endurance cutter homeported in Portsmouth, Virginia, under U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command.
