The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) conducts extensive and highly coordinated 

drug enforcement actions, primarily in the Western Hemisphere Transit Zone (Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea), as the lead federal agency for interdiction on the high seas. Their strategy focuses on disrupting transnational criminal organizations as far from U.S. shores as possible, where drug shipments are most vulnerable. 

Legal Authority

The primary legal basis for these operations is the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act (MDLEA) (46 U.S.C. §§ 70501-70507). This act has an “extraterritorial” reach, allowing for the prosecution of individuals in U.S. courts for drug offenses committed in international waters. 

The MDLEA applies to:

• Vessels registered in the United States.
• “Stateless” vessels (those without nationality or a valid claim of registry).
• Foreign-flagged vessels if the flag nation consents or waives objection to the U.S. enforcing its laws. 

Operational Tactics and Procedures

Drug enforcement actions involve a layered approach using intelligence, aerial surveillance, and surface assets. 

• Intelligence and Detection: The operations are not random patrols. They rely on intelligence gathering and detection by aerial assets, including fixed-wing aircraft and drones, coordinated through the Joint Interagency Task Force–South (JIATF-S).
• Interdiction: Once a suspect vessel is located, the USCG attempts to establish communication and order it to stop. If it flees (often in high-speed “go-fast” boats or semi-submersibles), the USCG may use “Airborne Use of Force” (AUF) via armed helicopters to disable the vessel’s engines with precision fire.
• Boarding and Search: After the vessel is stopped and secured, a boarding team goes aboard to search for contraband, which is often hidden in false compartments, fuel tanks, or bales. The team gathers evidence, photographs the scene, and swabs for drug residue.
• Apprehension and Offload: Suspected smugglers are detained, and the seized drugs are transferred to a cutter for secure storage. Once in port, the drugs are offloaded to federal partners, primarily the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), for testing and disposition. 

International Cooperation

A crucial element of the USCG’s counter-drug mission is robust international cooperation. The U.S. has bilateral agreements with over 40 partner nations, which streamlines the process for obtaining consent to board vessels in foreign territorial waters or on the high seas. USCG Law Enforcement Detachments (LEDETs) also deploy aboard U.S. Navy and allied warships to expand their reach. 

These efforts result in significant seizures; for example, in 2024, the Coast Guard intercepted over 100 metric tons of cocaine. 

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) boarding officers enforce a wide variety of substantive laws which are federal statutes that prohibit certain actions or require specific conduct. These laws generally fall under the categories of safety, security, environmental protection, and general law enforcement.
Examples of substantive laws and associated regulations enforced by USCG boarding officers include:
Maritime Safety and Documentation
Vessel Safety Regulations: Enforcing regulations concerning the carriage and condition of safety equipment like life jackets, fire extinguishers, and flares, as outlined in Title 46 U.S. Code and Title 33 U.S. Code.
Vessel Documentation and Registration: Ensuring vessels are properly documented and that operators have appropriate identification and licensing.
Boating Under the Influence (BUI): Enforcing federal and state laws against operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Security and Drug Interdiction
Drug Enforcement: Interdicting illegal drug traffic and enforcing federal drug laws (e.g., violations of 46 U.S.C. Appendix 1903, the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act).
Migrant Interdiction: Enforcing U.S. immigration laws and interdicting undocumented migrants at sea (e.g., violations of 8 U.S.C. § 1324).
Ports and Waterways Safety: Enforcing security zones, compliance with vessel movement requirements (such as the 96-hour advance arrival notice), and other security-related regulations under the Ports and Waterways Safety Act and the Maritime Transportation Security Act.
Firearms Violations: Enforcing laws that prohibit certain individuals (e.g., convicted felons, illegal aliens, convicted domestic abusers) from possessing firearms or ammunition in interstate or foreign commerce.
Environmental and Resource Protection
Environmental and Pollution Laws: Enforcing regulations regarding the discharge of oil, hazardous materials, and other pollutants into U.S. waters, primarily under the Clean Water Act and other environmental statutes.
Fisheries and Marine Protected Resource Laws: Enforcing the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and other laws designed to protect marine life and ensure sustainable fishing practices.
Protected Areas and Species: Ensuring compliance with laws that protect marine mammals, endangered species, and other protected areas.
General Criminal Law
General Federal Criminal Laws: When a violation of U.S. law is detected, boarding officers have the authority to make arrests for various federal crimes, including smuggling.

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) boarding officer has extensive law enforcement authority and jurisdiction, among the broadest of any federal agency. Their authority stems primarily from Title 14 U.S. Code § 89, which permits them to make inquiries, examinations, inspections, searches, seizures, and arrests upon the high seas and all waters over which the United States has jurisdiction.
Key Areas of Authority and Jurisdiction
Boarding officers act as representatives of their commanding officer in maritime law enforcement matters, enforcing all U.S. laws. A key role involves ensuring vessel safety and compliance with federal rules, including checking for safety gear and proper operation, such as enforcing laws against Boating Under the Influence.
Geographic Jurisdiction
The USCG’s jurisdiction depends on location, vessel flag, and the specific law being enforced. They have authority over all vessels in U.S. territorial and inland waters. On the high seas, they can board U.S.-flagged vessels anywhere and stateless vessels. Boarding foreign-flagged vessels on the high seas is possible with the master’s consent or through international agreements.
Powers During a Boarding
During a boarding, officers can go aboard vessels subject to U.S. jurisdiction to examine documents and all parts of the vessel. If U.S. law is violated, they can conduct searches, seize property, and make arrests. They are authorized to use reasonable force to ensure compliance, prevent federal crimes, or make an arrest. Officers can also issue warnings or notices of violation that may lead to civil penalties. More information on Coast Guard authority during vessel boardings can be found at USCG.mil.
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U.S. Coast Guard boarding officer has broad authority to board any vessel subject to U.S. jurisdiction, without a warrant, probable cause, or even suspicion of wrongdoing. This authority allows them to conduct inquiries, inspect documents, search the vessel, and make arrests or seizures for violations of U.S. law, using force to compel compliance if necessary. Their jurisdiction extends to waters subject to U.S. jurisdiction, including the high seas and inland waters.
Authority and powers
Boarding: A boarding officer can board any vessel subject to U.S. jurisdiction at any time.
Inquiries: They can question those on board about various matters.
Inspections: Officers can examine ship’s documents and papers, and inspect, examine, and search the vessel.
Enforcement: They have the authority to make seizures and arrests for violations of U.S. laws.
Force: Officers can use necessary force to compel compliance.
Customs: They can enforce U.S. Customs laws and other federal laws.
Jurisdiction
Waters subject to U.S. jurisdiction: This includes the navigable waters of the United States, as well as waters over which the U.S. has acquired title or control.
High seas: The authority extends to the high seas, where the U.S. has jurisdiction.
International waters: In certain circumstances, the Coast Guard can board foreign vessels in international waters with the master’s consent or when rendering assistance.
U.S. vessels in foreign waters: Coast Guard boarding officers can also board U.S. vessels in foreign waters.
Limitations
Jurisdiction: The extensive powers are generally limited to vessels within U.S. jurisdiction or in specific international circumstances.
Foreign vessels: For a foreign vessel in international waters without a warrant or suspicion, the boarding must be based on specific U.S. jurisdictional exceptions or other special circumstances like consent or assistance.