U.S. Coast Guard Seizes Record 20,000 Pounds of Cocaine in Eastern Pacific

The U.S. Coast Guard has intercepted over 20,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, breaking a regional record that stood for 18 years. The historic seizure occurred during a multi-week patrol targeting drug smuggling routes. Crew members from the Coast Guard Cutter *Harriet Lane* located and pursued a suspect "go-fast" vessel, a type of boat often used by traffickers for its high speed. Video evidence shows Coast Guard teams chasing the boat, which appeared to have several people on board. After a pursuit, the crew stopped the vessel and discovered the massive shipment of cocaine, worth an estimated $235 million. This single operation seized more cocaine than any other in the Coast Guard's Eastern Pacific region since 2006. The service did not release details on any arrests, citing ongoing investigations.