CHARLESTON, S.C. — On Thursday, the U.S. Coast Guard reported that, starting from early August, it has successfully intercepted over 40,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific as part of Operation Pacific Viper. This amounts to more than 1,600 pounds of cocaine being confiscated daily.

One notable operation occurred on June 26. The Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton intercepted two fast-moving boats approximately 115 miles southeast of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Initially identified by a patrol plane, the boats were brought under control with assistance from the ship’s Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron. This operation resulted in the seizure of over 4,475 pounds of cocaine.

The Coast Guard says these operations are all about stopping drugs before they reach U.S. shores and breaking up the criminal networks behind them.

The Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton is based in Charleston, South Carolina, and is part of the Atlantic Area command headquartered in Portsmouth.