Coast Guard Cutter Charles Sexton Stops Two Drug Vessels off Colombia, Seizing About 10,900 Pounds of Cocaine
The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Charles Sexton interdicted two suspected drug vessels on Oct. 28 about 175 miles off Cartagena, Colombia, seizing approximately 10,900 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $89.2 million, Coast Guard Headquarters announced on Nov. 13.
Both vessels were stopped with disabling fire. Ten suspected smugglers were detained and repatriated to Colombia for further investigation and potential prosecution.
"I am incredibly proud of this crew's professionalism and resilience that allows us to complete these dynamic and dangerous missions at sea," said Lt. Peter Fager, the cutter's commanding officer. "We are determined to keep drugs off America's streets and protecting our nation from transnational criminal organizations and cartels."
The Coast Guard said the interdictions are part of its mission to interdict, seize and disrupt the transshipment of cocaine and other bulk illicit drugs by sea. In fiscal year 2026, the Coast Guard seized nearly 198,000 pounds of cocaine, exceeding its annual average; since August 2025, it has seized more than 262,000 pounds of cocaine through Operation Pacific Viper in the Eastern Pacific.
Operating under its Title 14 law enforcement authorities, the Coast Guard said it works with local, state, federal and international partners across every stage of counter-drug operations, from detection and monitoring to maritime interdiction and criminal prosecution, as part of a whole-of-government approach against transnational organized crime.
(Source: U.S. Coast Guard)
Source: U.S. Coast Guard
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图片来源：Wikimedia Commons，美国海岸警卫队「查尔斯·塞克斯顿号」船员执行海上拦截任务（美国海岸警卫队照片，公共领域）
