A vessel carrying illegal narcotics from Colombia was intercepted on Thursday, 142 nautical miles south of Golfito, Costa Rica. This coordinated operation led to the seizure of over three tons of drugs and the arrest of three suspects, according to the Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S).
The boat, named "Ángel del Pacífico," was spotted by a surveillance aircraft from the U.S. Southern Command (Southcom) as it sped through the sea laden with brightly colored bales.
Once the vessel was identified, JIATF-S orchestrated a swift response: aircraft from Southcom and Panama maintained a steady aerial watch while the Costa Rican Coast Guard launched their interceptors.
The elite Costa Rican unit GOPES—Special Operations Group of the Coast Guard—fired warning shots, retrieved cargo thrown overboard by the traffickers, and successfully captured the boat.
The seizure included 7,099 pounds of marijuana (approximately 3,220 kilograms) and 175 kilograms of cocaine, along with the arrest of the three crew members.
"A heartfelt thank you to our partners in Colombia, Costa Rica, and Panama. Together, we are stronger," JIATF-S stated following the operation.
The U.S. Southern Command retweeted the event, emphasizing that "the most effective way to defeat the threat of narcoterrorism is through shared responsibility and collaboration among regional partners."
This operation is not an isolated event in the Pacific region. On July 10, a similar operation 145 nautical miles southwest of Golfito resulted in the confiscation of 5.4 tons of drugs—2.5 tons of cocaine and 2.75 tons of marijuana—with six individuals apprehended. The same partnership of GOPES, JIATF-S, Colombia, and Panama was involved.
The maritime corridor south of Golfito has become one of the most active drug trafficking routes in Central America's Pacific, with Colombia as the source and Central America as a transit point to the United States.
Costa Rica, a nation without a military, has bolstered its National Coast Guard Service to engage in these joint operations.
In 2026, Costa Rica has quadrupled its seizures compared to previous years, establishing itself as a vital ally of Washington in the battle against maritime drug trafficking.
These interdictions fall under Operation Southern Spear, formally launched in November 2025 by President Trump and expanded in January 2026, which has intensified pressure on narcoterrorist networks in the Western Hemisphere.
Operation Martillo, active since 2012 with participation from 21 countries, provides the multilateral framework for these operations.
On June 17 alone, JIATF-S and the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted an Ecuadorian drug boat in the Caribbean with 3,960 pounds of marijuana and two arrests, demonstrating ongoing pressure on these networks across the region.
Key Details on Drug Seizures in the Caribbean
What was the origin of the intercepted vessel?
The intercepted vessel originated from Colombia.
How much marijuana and cocaine were seized?
Authorities seized 7,099 pounds of marijuana and 175 kilograms of cocaine.
Which elite unit was involved in the operation?
The elite Costa Rican unit GOPES was involved in the operation.
What is Operation Southern Spear?
Operation Southern Spear is a campaign launched to intensify pressure on narcoterrorist networks in the Western Hemisphere.