The U.S. Coast Guard has seized over $220 million worth of cocaine in recent operations in the eastern Pacific Ocean. During August and September, the USCG Cutter Midgett intercepted four drug-smuggling vessels, confiscating approximately 21,126 pounds of cocaine. Separately, the USCG Cutter Diligence seized 8,700 pounds of cocaine near Panama. In at least two instances, alleged drug boats were reportedly left burning after the seizures.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.