Joint Operation Nabs Three Suspects and Thousands of Pounds of Contraband in Major Drug Interdiction
A coordinated effort between the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy led to a significant drug bust in the Eastern Pacific on Sunday morning, June 22, 2025. The operation resulted in the interdiction of three suspected drug smugglers and the seizure of more than 7,850 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated wholesale value of approximately $58.1 million.
The successful interdiction was carried out by members of a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET 105) working alongside U.S. Navy Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102).
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The bust unfolded after a Navy helicopter aircrew from the USS Sampson observed a vessel exhibiting suspicious behavior at 5:34 p.m. A small boat carrying LEDET 105 crew members was quickly launched from the Sampson to investigate.
Upon boarding the vessel, the LEDET 105 crew discovered three individuals, all claiming non-U.S. nationality, and numerous packages. These packages subsequently tested positive for cocaine. All three suspects were taken into custody aboard the USS Sampson.
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The vessel, determined to be without nationality, was later sunk to prevent it from becoming a hazard to navigation.
The USS Sampson is operating under U.S. Northern Command’s maritime homeland defense authorities, with the embarked Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment enabling these crucial maritime interdiction missions.
U.S. Northern Command is actively collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security to bolster military forces and capabilities at the southern border, underscoring the ongoing efforts to combat the flow of illegal drugs and other illicit activities.
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