Coast Guard Cutter Midgett interdicted more than 9 tons of cocaine

SAN DIEGO — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL 757) offloads approximately 9,6 tons (9582,5924 kilos) of cocaine in San Diego, with an estimated value of more than $156.4 million. Thursday, September 25, 2025.

The offload resulted from four separate drug interdictions of suspected drug-smuggling vessels in international waters off the coasts of Mexico, Central America, and South America. Midgett’s crew conducted the interdictions during counter-narcotics patrols during the months of August and September 2025. 

“This offload represents the hard work and dedication of our crew and the strength of our partnerships in keeping dangerous drugs from reaching our communities,” said Capt. Brian Whisler, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Midgett. “Maritime interdiction remains one of the most effective ways to disrupt narcotics trafficking, and together with our partners, we are holding transnational criminal organizations accountable.” 

This operation is part of Operation Pacific Viper, a Coast Guard led surge effort to counter the flow of illicit narcotics in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The operation leverages the Coast Guard’s Title 14 maritime law enforcement authorities and capabilities, supported by interagency and international partners. 

This offload reflects the combined efforts of multiple agencies working together to combat illegal narcotics from entering the United States. Partners include the U.S. Navy, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, working closely with allied and regional maritime forces. 

Currently, 80% of all narcotics seized in the transit zone are interdicted at sea, underscoring the impact of Coast Guard operations. The fight against drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations requires unity of effort at every stage, from detection and monitoring to interdiction and prosecution by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and international partners. 

Coast Guard Cutter Midgett is one of two Legend-class national security cutters homeported in Honolulu. These cutters are built to operate in the most challenging open ocean environments and play a vital role in protecting the maritime approaches of the Pacific, where much of the world’s illicit narcotics trafficking occurs. 

–USCG– 

For more Hlcopters Magazine breaking news, stories, images and videos visit hlcopters.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.