Counterdrug Operations in the High Seas: The Coast Guard’s Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron
The Coast Guard’s Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron, also known as HITRON, plays a crucial role in counterdrug operations in the high seas. As part of their mission, they intercept suspicious boats, seize illegal narcotics, and arrest suspected drug smugglers. In a recent operation, HITRON was seen chasing down a speedboat simulating drug-runners at sea, near Jacksonville, Florida. The gunner’s primary target is the engine, aiming to disable the boat without causing harm to those on board.
Non-Lethal Tactics and International Law
The Pentagon has been striking speedboats, declaring drug smugglers as unlawful combatants, but legal experts have raised concerns that these attacks may be a violation of U.S. and international law. In contrast, the Coast Guard has been relying on non-lethal tactics to stop and seize drug boats. According to Captain Broadhurst, “It’s the nature of law enforcement. No law enforcement officer ever goes into a scenario looking to throw restraint to the wind.” The Coast Guard has had a record-breaking year, seizing nearly $4 billion worth of narcotics and detaining 279 alleged drug traffickers.
The Coast Guard’s Success Rate and Smuggler Tactics
HITRON has a 97% success rate once they are on top of a vessel, but smugglers have adapted to the Coast Guard’s tactics. They often throw themselves on the engines to shield them from gunfire or jump overboard, knowing that the Coast Guard will shift to a search and rescue mode. In addition to these tactics, the Coast Guard has also seen an increase in smugglers using larger vessels, such as container ships or oil tankers, to transport illicit goods.
Training and Operations
In Miami, a Coast Guard tactical team trains to board these larger vessels, detaining crew members and confronting armed smugglers. They are trained to fire only in self-defense, a scenario that may become more likely as the U.S. escalates tensions with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The Coast Guard has boarded and seized at least two oil tankers since President Trump declared a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers going to and from Venezuela.
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