The US Coast Guard has announced the seizure of about three tons of cocaine, the value of which exceeds 45 million dollars, off the coast of Colombia. "On May 8, the crew of the Coast Guard vessel Tahoma simultaneously detained three suspected smuggling boats about 90 miles (145 kilometers) from the city of Cartagena.
"The vessel was carrying approximately 6,085 pounds (approximately 2.76 tons) of cocaine, valued at nearly $45.8 million," the Coast Guard said in a statement. The United States justifies its military presence in the Caribbean by citing the fight against illegal drug trafficking.
In November 2025, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegsett announced the launch of Operation Southern Spear against Latin American drug cartels.








