Coast Guard makes largest cocaine bust since 2007, triple the size of recent Colombian bust

20,000 pounds of cocaine seized through "counter-narcotics operations across the Eastern Pacific," Coast Guard says. Colombia emphasizes its seizure didn't kill anyone.

Published: December 6, 2025 3:09pm

The U.S. Coast Guard broke a record going back to President George W. Bush's administration in the size of a cocaine bust it made on the high seas this week, hauling in more than 20,000 pounds, it said on X Friday night.

The Alameda, Calif.-based Munro cutter seized the booty as part of its "counter-narcotics operations across the Eastern Pacific," the Coast Guard said, posting video of its airship shooting at the boat and two Coast Guard vessels cornering it.

It's the largest "at-sea interdiction" since 2007, the Coast Guard said, without disclosing what happened to the people aboard the boat carrying the cocaine.

Colombian officials Thursday said they seized 7.1 tons of cocaine in two "maritime interdiction operations in the Caribbean Sea," which they valued at $340 million. 

Eight Colombians, two Venezuelans and one Jamaican were captured "without affecting the integrity or [sic] their lives," Fuerza Naval del Caribe said, distinguishing its operation from the Trump administration's practice of killing suspected drug runners.

Unlock unlimited access

  • No Ads Within Stories
  • No Autoplay Videos
  • VIP access to exclusive Just the News newsmaker events hosted by John Solomon and his team.
  • Support the investigative reporting and honest news presentation you've come to enjoy from Just the News.
  • Just the News Spotlight

    Support Just the News