U.S. authorities and international partners intercepted an aircraft carrying more than 600 kilograms of cocaine in a major anti-drug operation in Central America.
The Joint Interagency Task Force South said the operation involved coordination with partners from Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Panama. Authorities maintained surveillance on the aircraft across Central America before Mexican ground forces seized the narcotics.
Officials said the aircraft was carrying 636 kilograms of cocaine, equal to about 1,402 pounds. The drugs have an estimated street value of roughly $76 million.
U.S. Southern Command praised the operation as an example of regional cooperation against narco-trafficking networks in the Western Hemisphere.
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The aircraft seizure comes as U.S. forces and partner nations continue increasing pressure on drug trafficking organizations across the region.
In another recent operation, JIATF South said it worked with SOUTHCOM and Panamanian forces to intercept three vessels in the Eastern Pacific. Those vessels were allegedly carrying 284 pounds of cocaine and more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana. Nine suspects were detained.
U.S. officials have framed these operations as part of a broader campaign against cartels and transnational criminal networks.
The Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, launched under the Trump administration, includes 17 nations from the Western Hemisphere focused on combating cartels, gangs and drug trafficking organizations.
At a recent counter-cartel conference at SOUTHCOM headquarters in Florida, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said the U.S. should treat major cartel networks as a serious national security threat, not only a criminal justice issue.
The Trump administration has also released a new National Drug Control Strategy aimed at stopping the flow of illegal drugs into U.S. communities. The strategy focuses on border security, supply chains, overdose response and emerging drug threats.
Officials say the plan is designed to stop narcotics and precursor chemicals from entering the United States by land, sea, air and mail.
The operation also comes amid stronger cooperation with Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government froze bank accounts belonging to current and former officials facing U.S. charges connected to the Sinaloa cartel.
U.S. officials say the latest seizures show that regional partnerships are becoming more aggressive in targeting drug trafficking routes and cartel-linked networks.
In a major multinational operation coordinated by the United States and supported by authorities from Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama, officials successfully tracked and seized a light aircraft carrying 636 kilograms of cocaine. A strong example of regional cooperation… pic.twitter.com/Cy6iECsRaj
— Cartel Watch (@CartelWatchNet) May 20, 2026
