The U.S. Coast Guard, in coordination with the U.S. Navy, intercepted a suspected smuggling vessel off the coast of San Diego this past weekend, marking yet another sign of growing maritime trafficking activity in the region.
The operation began when aerial surveillance picked up a suspicious boat traveling northwest, well off the coast and south of Point Loma. Throughout the night, a Navy helicopter tracked the vessel’s movement, waiting for the right moment to act. As the boat crossed into U.S. waters the following morning, a coordinated team from a Coast Guard cutter and a Navy destroyer moved in.
The vessel—a 40-foot cuddy cabin-style boat—was boarded without resistance. Onboard, officers discovered eight individuals, all of Mexican nationality. The group included seven men and one woman, who were taken into custody and later transferred to authorities for further investigation.
This latest interception underscores the increasing use of the Pacific coastline by smugglers attempting to bypass land borders. In recent months, maritime smuggling attempts have surged, prompting a stronger military and law enforcement presence along the U.S. southern coastline.
With patrols ramping up and partnerships between agencies deepening, operations like this are becoming more frequent—and more necessary. As smugglers seek new routes, the Coast Guard remains on high alert, committed to keeping U.S. waters secure.
