Coast Guard Sets Historic Drug Seizure Record in 2025

Unprecedented Success in Counter-Drug Operations

The U.S. Coast Guard announced on Nov. 6 its landmark success in counter-drug operations. Key statistics from FY2025 include:

• More than 510,000 pounds of cocaine and other illicit drugs seized.
• An estimated street value of over $7.2 billion.
• Operations primarily focused in the known drug transit zones of the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

"This record is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our crews, the strength of our inter-agency partnerships, and our commitment to taking the fight to the criminal networks far from our shores," said Admiral Kevin Lunday, Acting Commandant of the Coast Guard. "Every interdiction at sea is a strike against the transnational criminal organizations that threaten our security and poison our communities."

Elite HITRON Squadron Achieves 1,000th Interdiction

Adding to the historic nature of the year, the Coast Guard’s elite Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) also achieved a legendary milestone: its 1,000th drug interdiction.

HITRON crews are the world’s premier airborne drug interdiction experts. Flying armed helicopters from the decks of Coast Guard cutters, they are specially trained to disable drug-smuggling go-fast boats with precision marksmanship. This high-risk mission was a significant factor in achieving the overall seizure record for 2025. Reaching their 1,000th successful interdiction is a testament to the 26 years of skill, courage, and effectiveness of these specialized aircrews.

This year’s success is built upon the exceptional performance of teams across the service. The Coast Guard Foundation was proud to honor the crews of the Coast Guard Cutter James and Coast Guard Cutter Stone at our annual Washington D.C. event earlier this year for their own record-breaking contributions.

How Your Support Fuels the Mission

Coast Guard Foundation support for Coast Guard members and their families is a force multiplier that enhances mission readiness and resilience. Behind every statistic and milestone there are Coast Guard members standing the watch, cutter crews leaving families on the pier, and law enforcement team members going in harm’s way.

The Coast Guard Foundation provides critical support that honors their sacrifice and strengthens them for the challenges ahead. Your generosity directly funds morale, wellness, and recreation projects on cutters, provides educational opportunities for families, and assists in times of crisis.

Below is the story of another daring interdiction, this one involving the Coast Guard Cutter Munro. 

Title Image: Crew members from the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball (WMSL 756), Tactical Law Enforcement Team South, U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team Los Angeles/Long Beach, and Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron Jacksonville all stand at attention during a drug offload in San Diego April 24, 2025. The Coast Guard Cutter Kimball’s crew and their partners can operate in the most demanding open ocean environments, and the vast approaches of the Southern Pacific, where significant narcotics trafficking occurs. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Austin Wiley)

Disclosure: AI technology was used in the creation of this content.