SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KESQ) – In a significant counter-narcotics operation, the U.S. Coast Guard announced the offloading of 8,500 kilograms of cocaine, valued at over $200 million, today in San Diego.
This impressive seizure, amounting to nearly 19,000 pounds, resulted from a collaborative effort between the Coast Guard Cutters Kimball and Forward, operating in the international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean from February to April 2025.
The cocaine was seized during six separate drug-smuggling vessel interdictions off the coasts of Mexico and Central and South America, as reported by the Coast Guard.
Capt. Jason Hagan, District 11 chief of enforcement, along with representatives from various agencies including the Drug Enforcement Agency and U.S. Border Patrol, attended the announcement.
Rear Admiral Joanna Hiigl, the acting deputy commander of Coast Guard Pacific Area, emphasized the operation’s significance as part of a wider multinational and multi-agency effort to combat international drug trafficking.
“This offload is just one piece of the large and enduring multinational and multi-agency effort to combat international drug cartels and to deter the flow of illegal narcotics into the United States,” Hiigl stated.
Highlighting the ongoing challenge posed by drug cartels, Hiigl noted that in the fiscal year 2025 alone, the Coast Guard has removed over $1 billion worth of cocaine from the Eastern Pacific, emphasizing their commitment to this battle.
“Every day, American lives, families, and communities are plagued by illicit drugs like cocaine and fentanyl,” she added.
Hiigl also pointed out the associated issues that arise from drug trafficking, such as violence, corruption, and instability, underlining the need for a coordinated network to defeat these complex criminal organizations.
Underlining the Coast Guard’s dedicated efforts, Hiigl proclaimed, “We protect, we defend, we save those who work and live on the sea. We protect the sea and its resources, and we enforce the maritime rule of law. The U.S. Coast Guard is in greater demand today than ever before due to our amazing Coast Guard men and women. We are the world’s greatest Coast Guard.”
Capt. Robert Kinsey, commanding officer of the Kimball, echoed these sentiments, noting that the offload is indicative of the hard work involved in disrupting drug cartels.
“The result of a Joint Interagency Task Force package approved by dedicated professionals came together to interdict over nine tons of pure cocaine, denying cartels an estimated $215 million in profits,” Kinsey stated.
Kinsey further elaborated on the significance of the offload, explaining that it represents more than just the seizure of narcotics; it reflects the relentless efforts of his crew and partners in securing the nation’s maritime borders.
He highlighted the valuable international partnerships cultivated during the deployment, specifically mentioning Mexican Navy observers who participated alongside the Coast Guard during their operation.
Additionally, Kinsey noted the educational exchanges with more than 40 members of Panama’s counter-drug enforcement teams during their operations in the region.
Coast Guard officials have reported a strong relationship with Mexico, facilitating information sharing and collaborative efforts in tackling illicit activities in the eastern Pacific.
The Kimball, which is homeported in Honolulu, is one of two multi-mission national security cutters dedicated to this vital mission.
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