U.S. and Mexico Seize Tons of Cocaine in Pacific Ocean

Joint operation leads to major drug bust despite tensions between the two countries

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The United States and Mexico seized several tons of cocaine from a ship in a "coordinated operation" in the Pacific Ocean, the Mexican navy announced. The unusual joint action comes despite recent tensions between the two countries, with President Trump vowing to strike Mexican drug cartels that he said posed a grave threat to national security.

Why it matters

The drug bust represents a rare instance of cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico on security issues, despite ongoing political tensions. It also highlights the ongoing battle against drug trafficking organizations that operate across borders and the challenges faced by both countries in combating the flow of narcotics.

The details

About 188 packages containing several tons of cocaine were seized from a vessel off Clarion Island, about 680 miles from the Mexican port city of Manzanillo. Multiple people were arrested, though the exact number was not specified. The seizure comes as the Trump administration has threatened to impose additional tariffs on Mexico to pressure the country into taking stronger action against drug cartels.

  • The cocaine seizure occurred on February 12, 2026.

The players

United States

One of the countries involved in the joint operation to seize the cocaine shipment in the Pacific Ocean.

Mexico

The other country involved in the joint operation to seize the cocaine shipment in the Pacific Ocean.

President Trump

The U.S. president who has threatened to impose additional tariffs on Mexico to pressure the country into taking stronger action against drug cartels.

Claudia Sheinbaum

The president of Mexico who responded that her government had received no reports of drones belonging to cartels along the border.

Mexican Navy

The Mexican military branch that announced the seizure of the cocaine shipment and has previously intercepted other large drug shipments.

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What they’re saying

“About 188 packages containing several tons of cocaine were seized from the vessel off Clarion Island, about 680 miles from the Mexican port city of Manzanillo in Colima state.”

— Mexican Navy (cbsnews.com)

“Mexican cartel drones around the U.S.-Mexico border had forced a Texas airport to shut down temporary.”

— Trump Administration (cbsnews.com)

“My government had received no reports of drones belonging to cartels along the border.”

— Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The U.S. and Mexican authorities will likely continue their efforts to combat drug trafficking organizations and disrupt the flow of narcotics across the border. The outcome of the renegotiation of the free trade agreement between the two countries this year may also impact future cooperation on security issues.

The takeaway

This joint operation demonstrates the ongoing challenges faced by the U.S. and Mexico in combating the transnational drug trade, despite political tensions between the two countries. It highlights the need for sustained cooperation and a comprehensive approach to addressing the complex issue of drug trafficking.