US Coast Guard Helicopter Fires Near Vessel In $45.8 Million Drug Interdiction Off Colombia

A law enforcement aviation crew from the Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) intercepted a suspected drug smuggling vessel approximately 80 miles west of Cartagena on May 8, 2026.

During the operation, the helicopter used gunfire directed near the vessel in an effort to stop it as part of the interception.

The action was carried out alongside Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma as authorities targeted illicit narcotics trafficking in the area.

Officials later reported that more than 6,000 pounds of illegal narcotics were seized, with an estimated value of nearly $45.8 million.

The contraband was offloaded at Port Everglades, Florida, on May 14, 2026.