The Department of Homeland Security released footage on Tuesday of a drug boat that was captured and destroyed by the U.S. Coast Guard—a move that comes as the administration is ramping up its fight against drug cartels.
In a single night over the weekend, DHS said three interdictions took place as part of Operation Pacific Viper, resulting in nearly 13,000 pounds of cocaine being seized and the apprehension of seven suspected drug smugglers.
ASMR: @USCG captures, burns, and sinks a drug boat.
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) September 9, 2025
Over the weekend, as part of Operation Pacific Viper, the @USCG Cutter Stone conducted three interdictions in a single night—seizing nearly 13,000 pounds of cocaine and apprehending seven suspected drug smugglers. pic.twitter.com/wHRGUGYtTw
The development comes after the U.S. conducted an airstrike against a suspected drug boat off the coast of Venezuela earlier this month, killing 11—an operation Vice President JD Vance argued was “the highest and best use of our military.”
That position earned him a rebuke from Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), who raised due process concerns along with other anti-Trump social media personalities.
I don’t give a shit what you call it
— JD Vance (@JDVance) September 6, 2025
JD “I don’t give a shit” Vance says killing people he accuses of a crime is the “highest and best use of the military.”
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) September 7, 2025
Did he ever read To Kill a Mockingbird?
Did he ever wonder what might happen if the accused were immediately executed without trial or representation??… https://t.co/VdnJbZkGfS
In an interview with One America News on Tuesday, Vance argued drug traffickers need to be viewed as combatants in a war.
“I think the rules of engagement should be similar to what they are in war, because we are, in fact, in a war against these drug cartels,” he said, before acknowledging the criticism he's received.
“I understand the concerns about due process, I understand some of the criticisms that have been raised, but this is not a situation where we can send the Navy SEALs into these places, arrest them and give them a proper civil trial or criminal trial,” Vance added.