Mexico and US seize tons of cocaine in coordinated Pacific operation

The Mexican Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard conducted a coordinated operation in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the seizure of several tons of cocaine. According to Mexican authorities, the operation took place outside the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone, approximately 1,100 kilometers west of Manzanillo, Colima. Officials identified 188 packages of the drug on a vessel located near Clarion Island. While arrests were made during the operation, the exact number of individuals detained has not been specified by the Mexican Navy. This rare joint effort occurs amid heightened diplomatic tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to deploy military forces against cartels on Mexican territory. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has repeatedly stated she will not permit foreign military operations within Mexico's borders. Trump has also suggested imposing additional tariffs to pressure the Mexican government into increasing drug seizures and arrests. The seizure follows recent U.S. reports of maritime strikes against suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.