U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (AMO) seized a boatload of cocaine worth over $11 million after intercepting a vessel off the coast of Puerto Rico.
The estimated street value of the seized narcotics is thought to be $11.9 million, the CBP said in a statement on Wednesday.
On board the vessel, authorities found 17 bales with bricks of cocaine weighing over 1,321 pounds, and three Dominican Republic citizens were arrested.
CBP/AP/GETTY
During a routine patrol on October 2, the crew of an AMO Maritime Enforcement Aircraft (MEA) spotted a vessel heading east toward Puerto Rico. The MEA continued surveillance to support an AMO Coastal Interceptor vessel, which intercepted the craft about 16 miles east of Desecheo Island.
Lab tests then confirmed the packages contained cocaine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized the drugs and detained the three men for further investigation and prosecution.
“This interdiction highlights our relentless commitment to border security and the protection of our citizens from the dangers of illicit narcotics,” Christopher Hunter, director of air and marine operations in the Caribbean, said in the statement.
“The protection of our Caribbean waters is essential not only to safeguard our borders but also to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities. This successful interception demonstrates the unwavering commitment of law enforcement agencies in the region,” DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge Denise Foster added.
“The seamless teamwork between U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the DEA underscores the strength of our combined efforts to dismantle dangerous criminal organizations attempting to smuggle narcotics into Puerto Rico and beyond. Every operation like this is a step forward in making our region more secure and resilient against the threats posed by drug trafficking.”
The seizure is the latest in a string of cocaine-related drug busts in recent months, with one port of entry on the U.S.-Mexico border seeing over a ton found in July alone.
In September, cocaine worth more than $30 million was seized by agents after authorities intercepted a vessel off the coast of Puerto Rico.
Two Dominican Republic nationals were arrested after getting caught with cocaine worth $6 million in August.
AMO deploys 1,800 federal agents, 240 aircraft and 300 marine vessels throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to combat drug trafficking and security threats.
Over 60,000 pounds of cocaine have been seized by agents nationwide in fiscal 2024, according to CBP data.
Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug created from the leaves of the coca plant, which is native to South America.
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