The U.S. Coast Guard released dramatic footage this week showing its crew intercepting a suspected drug smuggling vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, marking one of several major interdictions carried out during a recent patrol.

The video, taken by Petty Officer 3rd Class Austin Wiley on April 17, shows service members from the USCGC Kimball approaching the vessel at high speed and shouting commands in Spanish at the suspects. “Hands up!” the officers yell as they close in. The individuals on board immediately lie down on the deck and comply with the orders.

Short clip from an interdiction operation I supported back in early April. USCGC Kimball (WMSL 756) was the operations vessel supported by aviation assets. pic.twitter.com/0EF3qqi2XA

— Air Superior (@airsuperiorx) May 9, 2025

Following the surrender, the crew boarded the vessel and detained the suspects. It marked the Kimball’s fifth successful interdiction during its current patrol.

“The fifth interdiction during Kimball’s patrol is a great example of how complex it is to stop illegal activities on the open ocean,” the Coast Guard said. “Kimball started with aerial surveillance then engaged tactical law enforcement, and then sank the vessel so it wouldn’t be a hazard to other vessels.”

According to the Coast Guard, the Kimball’s operations so far have resulted in the seizure of $214 million worth of illegal narcotics, which were offloaded in San Diego, reports Fox.

“Illegal drugs pose a dangerous threat to the American people, and the men and women of the Coast Guard do everything in their power to interdict drugs before they reach our shores,” the agency stated.