On Thursday, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized more than $5 million worth of cocaine in Puerto Rico, according to a statement released on Monday.
Authorities discovered a total of 485 pounds, equivalent to 22 kilograms, of narcotics, with an estimated value of around $5.4 million.
During the search, authorities discovered a total of 194 bricks of cocaine. These bricks were found in various locations on the boat, including three large suitcases on the deck, a smaller duffel bag, and a separate gym bag. The bricks tested positive for traces of cocaine, further confirming their illicit nature.
The leader of CBP’s Air and Marine Operations in the Caribbean expressed immense pride in the dedication displayed by their agents as they tirelessly patrol our borders every day, ensuring the safety of us all.
“Working in close collaboration with our law enforcement partners, the agents of Air and Marine Operations are dedicated to intercepting these harmful drugs and preventing their devastating impact on our communities,” emphasized Creighton Skeen, the acting director, in a recent statement.
Puerto Rico has gained notoriety for being a hub of continuous illegal activities. In January, federal agents intercepted a staggering amount of cocaine weighing over one ton, valued at approximately $23.5 million, en route to Humacao. The following month, CBP apprehended three individuals and seized 384 pounds of cocaine worth more than $4 million.
In the previous month, sailors from the U.S. Coast Guard and British authorities successfully confiscated a staggering 6,000 pounds of cocaine in the Caribbean Sea. This substantial seizure holds an estimated value of at least $280 million.
AMO successfully intercepted and halted the transportation of an impressive amount of illegal substances and weapons in 2023. This included a total of 256,883 pounds of cocaine, 2,049 pounds of fentanyl, and 4,050 pounds of methamphetamine. Additionally, they seized 2,200 weapons and a staggering $15.3 million in illicit funds.
According to the federal government, they also carried out 1,004 arrests and apprehended 89,909 undocumented individuals.
