In a stunning maritime operation, the USS Gravely, a guided missile destroyer, intercepted a suspicious vessel in the Caribbean Sea on May 25, 2025, seizing an astonishing 860 pounds of cocaine valued at $13.65 million. The operation unfolded under clear skies but quickly escalated into a high-stakes confrontation with drug traffickers.

The Gravely, deployed specifically to combat drug smuggling, detected the unflagged vessel using advanced radar technology. As the destroyer’s crew prepared for action, the Coast Guard’s Law Enforcement Detachment 401 sprang into action, readying rigid-hulled inflatable boats for boarding. The suspect vessel, eerily still and unresponsive, raised immediate red flags among the seasoned sailors.

As the boarding team approached, the atmosphere was tense but calculated. Three men stood frozen on the deck, their nervous demeanor betraying their facade of being mere fishermen. Upon boarding, the team discovered the cargo hold sealed with plastic wrap and duct tape, a classic smuggler’s tactic. Inside, 19 tightly wrapped bales of cocaine awaited, each marked with distinct cartel symbols.

This operation wasn’t just a routine bust; it was a strategic blow to a significant drug trafficking network. The successful interception is part of Campaign Martillo, a multinational initiative aimed at dismantling drug routes before they reach U.S. shores. The meticulous planning and execution of this operation highlight the Navy and Coast Guard’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and the violence it breeds.

With the suspects detained and evidence secured, the Gravely’s crew exemplified discipline and professionalism. This operation sends a clear message to cartels: the U.S. Navy is vigilant, and every shipment intercepted is a victory against organized crime. As the dust settles, the impact of this seizure ripples far beyond the waves, disrupting the flow of drugs and protecting communities from the scourge of addiction.