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A U.S. Coast Guard cutter has triumphantly returned to its California base following a 119-day voyage during which it intercepted over 22,000 pounds of cocaine. This operation marks the largest maritime drug haul in nearly two decades, aligning with the Trump administration’s initiatives against drug smuggling.
The cutter Munro embarked from Alameda on November 3, 2025, initially set for training exercises, including the Resolute Hunter off the coast of San Diego. Following this, it ventured into the Pacific Ocean as part of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Operation Pacific Viper, focusing on counternarcotics missions.
However, the vessel was redirected towards the Atlantic to participate in Operation Southern Spear, a campaign by the Trump administration aimed at dismantling transnational criminal organizations, as stated by the War Department on Monday.
While navigating the Strait of Gibraltar near Ceuta, Spain, on February 2, the Munro was instrumental in confiscating unprecedented amounts of cocaine and arresting alleged drug traffickers. (Getty Images)
“Munro’s accomplishments are a testament to the dedication of our service, our country, and our loved ones,” expressed Capt. Jim O’Mara, the commanding officer of Munro. “The crew met each challenge with exceptional skill and determination, achieving historic outcomes. This mission was unique for us, yet it represents just one segment of a more extensive campaign and the broader U.S. national strategy.”
After transiting the Panama Canal, the Munro patrolled the Carribean Sea, where it followed the U.S.-sanctioned Motor Tanker Bella 1, across the Atlantic Ocean for 18 days and 4,900 miles.
The vessel was determined to be without nationality and subject to U.S. jurisdiction. The crew of the Munro boarded the Bella to seize control of the 333-meter crude oil carrier.
In the Pacific, the Munro detected a vessel transiting along a known smuggling route.
President Donald Trump speaks with the media as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth looks on aboard Air Force One during a flight from Dover, Delaware, to Miami, Florida on Saturday. (SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images)
With the help of its two cutter pursuit boats and other assets, the Munro tracked and interdicted the vessel using warning shots and disabling fire from a helicopter.
Six suspected drug smugglers were detained and 22,052 pounds of cocaine were seized, a milestone not seen in nearly two decades.
“We could not have done this without support from partners, allies, and our families,” said O’Mara. “Our families had to adapt to each new twist, just like all military families do across the Armed Forces. It is tough on them. But when they hold strong at home that keeps us motivated and focused on our mission.”
On Sunday, the Pentagon announced that U.S. forces have carried out a lethal strike on a vessel allegedly carrying suspected narco-traffickers in the Eastern Pacific, killing six people on board.
The latest strike brings the death toll in the Trump administration’s attacks on ships carrying suspected drug smugglers to at least 156, according to The New York Times.
It was the 45th strike since the U.S. began targeting boats in the Caribbean and the Eastern Pacific in early September and comes amid a recent increase in the pace of strikes, the newspaper reported.
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