UPDATE: The US Coast Guard has achieved a historic milestone, seizing over 49,000 pounds of cocaine valued at more than $362 million, thanks to the innovative use of a reconnaissance drone. This operation, conducted by the Cutter Stone, marks the largest cocaine offload by a single Coast Guard cutter during a deployment.
On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, the Cutter Stone offloaded the massive cocaine haul at Port Everglades, Florida, following an intensive deployment in the eastern Pacific. The operation included 15 drug interdictions, demonstrating the Coast Guard’s relentless fight against transnational crime.
According to officials, the majority of the seized drugs originated from Colombia. Vice Adm. Moore, commander of Coast Guard Atlantic Area, emphasized the significance of this accomplishment, stating,
“What you see behind me is more than just a pile of cocaine. It represents a tangible victory in our ongoing fight against transnational criminal organizations and narcoterrorism.”
The operation was part of the Coast Guard’s Operation Pacific Viper, which has ramped up counter-narcotics missions, leading to record-breaking drug seizures. In fiscal year 2025, the Coast Guard reported seizing nearly 510,000 pounds of cocaine, the highest total in its history.
During this recent deployment, the Cutter Stone utilized the MQ-35 V-BAT drone, developed by Shield AI, to enhance its surveillance capabilities. The drone’s advanced technology allowed the crew to identify drug smuggling vessels, particularly during a critical night operation when three vessels were intercepted in rapid succession. Capt. Anne O’Connell noted that the drone was essential for maintaining situational awareness while boarding operations took place.
As the first deployment of the V-BAT for the Cutter Stone, its performance was particularly impressive. The drone’s ability to take off and land vertically, along with its persistent surveillance capabilities, allowed the crew to cover a larger operational area efficiently. The V-BAT can operate in challenging conditions, including winds up to 25 knots, and offers over 13 hours of flight time.
This successful operation not only highlights the technological advancements in Coast Guard missions but underscores the critical role of its dedicated personnel. Capt. O’Connell stated,
“All of those elements, with the UAS and our HITRON [Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron] and our small boats, are incredible capabilities. But the secret sauce is our people, and they are what makes us successful.”
As the Coast Guard continues to innovate and enhance its operations, the implications of this record-breaking seizure resonate deeply in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking. Authorities are poised to maintain their momentum in the fight against narcotics, ensuring that such victories are not just isolated incidents but part of a larger strategy against drug-related crime.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Coast Guard expands its operations and the impacts of this historic seizure unfold.
