U.S. Coast Guard, USS Sampson conduct drug interdiction in Eastern Pacific

by Department of War Southern Border

10 July 2025
PACIFIC OCEAN

The U.S. Coast Guard, in coordination with the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102), interdicted two suspected drug smugglers, and seized approximately 3,439 pounds of cocaine in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean July 10.

While on routine patrol, the Sampson detected a go-fast vessel approximately 380 miles southwest of Acapulco, Mexico. The vessel displayed no indication of nationality and was operating in a known drug trafficking corridor. Its appearance and behavior aligned with known maritime smuggling trends, raising further suspicion.

Tactical control of the Sampson was transferred from U.S. Third Fleet to Coast Guard Southwest District for interdiction and apprehension authority. When the U.S. Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the "Scorpions" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49, launched from the Sampson and signaled its presence, the suspects aboard began jettisoning packages into the ocean. After warning shots were ineffective, the helicopter crew employed disabling fire, successfully stopping the vessel.

The Sampson launched two boarding teams, which recovered several of the jettisoned packages and took positive control of the suspect vessel. Coast Guard law enforcement personnel conducted a boarding and determined the vessel to be without nationality, granting authority for a full law enforcement boarding.

The two suspected drug smugglers were taken into custody, and field tests confirmed the presence of cocaine aboard the go-fast.

Due to the vessel’s lack of tow points, absence of navigation lights, and poor seaworthiness, the Coast Guard deemed it a hazard to navigation and authorized the sinking of the vessel.

Tactical control of the USS Sampson has since been returned to U.S. Third Fleet for continued operations.

The Coast Guard routinely partners with U.S. Navy and interagency assets to counter transnational criminal organizations operating in the maritime domain.

Sampson is employed under U.S. Northern Command’s maritime homeland defense authorities with a Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment embarked to enable maritime interdiction missions to prevent the flow of illegal drugs and other illegal activity. U.S. Northern Command is working together with the Department of Homeland Security to provide additional military forces and capabilities at the southern border.