USCGC Thetis Seizes 28,000 Pounds of Cocaine in Weeklong Pacific Operation

This week, the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Thetis made a significant return to port following a successful eight-day interdiction mission in the eastern Pacific Ocean, where it seized over $211 million worth of cocaine. The operation was marked by high-risk challenges and showcased the Coast Guard's commitment to combating drug trafficking in international waters.

On May 29, a 270-foot cutter, stationed in Key West but currently operating in the Pacific, successfully offloaded more than 28,000 pounds of cocaine at Port Everglades. The recent seizure was achieved through a series of coordinated operations conducted earlier this month, which included aerial surveillance, maritime pursuits, and strategic navigation to avoid inclement weather.

Interdictions began on May 3, following the sighting of two suspicious vessels by a Coast Guard patrol aircraft approximately 170 miles west of Mexico. Thetis successfully intercepted the boats, confiscating 4,630 pounds of cocaine, a significant portion of which was subsequently handed over to Ecuadorian authorities.

In a significant development just two days later, the crew of Thetis’ MH-65 Dolphin helicopter uncovered a "bale field" in open waters, revealing tightly wrapped bundles of cocaine weighing nearly 10,000 pounds. 

On May 6, as adverse weather conditions intensified, the crew observed traffickers discarding additional bundles before fleeing into the approaching storm. Following the improvement of conditions, authorities discovered several bale fields containing a total of 14,559 pounds of cocaine.

On May 10, Thetis discovered a final stash weighing nearly 4,000 pounds drifting in the ocean.

In the face of challenging weather conditions and the persistent evasion tactics of traffickers, the cutter accomplished its mission, traversing hundreds of miles along the Pacific coast. Authorities have praised the operation as a significant setback for global drug trafficking organizations.

A spokesperson for the Atlantic Area Command stated, “This interdiction represents the Coast Guard’s commitment to protecting the maritime borders of the United States.”

Recent interdictions highlight an increasing collaboration between U.S. forces and their Latin American counterparts in the fight against transnational narcotics smuggling along Pacific routes.

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