started · updated
Law enforcement agencies seize massive cocaine shipments across the Americas
Law enforcement agencies across the Americas have reported significant cocaine seizures in recent operations. In Colombia, the Navy intercepted a vessel in the Meta River carrying approximately 1,498 kilograms of cocaine, valued at 80 million dollars. Authorities believe the shipment was destined for Venezuela to be received by the ELN's Oriental War Front.
In the eastern Pacific, the U.S. Coast Guard's Operation Pacific Viper has seized over 260,000 pounds of cocaine since August 2025. Within a single week, crews conducted three interdictions, seizing more than 25,000 pounds and detaining 13 individuals.
Ecuadorian authorities also reported major finds, including 1.8 tons of cocaine discovered in a truck following an accident in Bolívar province. Additionally, a Spanish national was detained at Guayaquil airport for attempting to smuggle 18 kilograms of cocaine to Germany. In a separate operation, Colombian forces and the DEA captured 13 members of the 'Los Pachenca' criminal group, who were allegedly linked to the Sinaloa Cartel.
In Europe, Belgian customs intercepted 2.39 tons of cocaine hidden under bananas in the Port of Antwerp, marking the third large seizure in four days.
Entities
Armada Nacional de Colombia · DEA · Ecuadorian National Police · Ejército de Liberación Nacional · Kevin Lunday · Operation Pacific Viper · U.S. Coast Guard · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · U.S. Southern Command
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Colombian Navy seized 1,498 kilograms of cocaine in the Meta River. crprensa.com · elinformadorve.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Operation Pacific Viper has resulted in the seizure of more than 260,000 pounds of cocaine since its launch in August 2025. yournews.com · sjvsun.com · themercury.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The shipment was allegedly destined for the ELN's Oriental War Front in Venezuela. crprensa.com · elinformadorve.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The U.S. Coast Guard seized over 25,000 pounds of cocaine in three operations in the eastern Pacific within one week. yournews.com · laopinion.com · sjvsun.com · themercury.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Ecuadorian police seized approximately 1.8 tons of cocaine from a truck following an accident in Bolívar province. viphatomayor.com · diariolosandes.com.ec
- [● 2 SOURCES] The seized cocaine shipment is valued at approximately 80 million dollars. crprensa.com · elinformadorve.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] A Spanish national was detained at Guayaquil airport for attempting to transport 18 kilograms of cocaine to Germany. www.extra.ec · radiocolosal.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Thirteen members of the 'Los Pachenca' criminal group were captured in a joint operation involving the DEA. www.cablenoticias.com