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  4. Joint operation seizes over 1,400 Pounds of Cocaine near Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

Joint operation seizes over 1,400 Pounds of Cocaine near Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

Release Date
Tue, 11/03/2020

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A joint operation amongst U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Coast Guard (USCG) and the Puerto Rico Police produced the seizure of 1,497 pounds (679 kilos) of cocaine from two Venezuelan flagged vessels near the southwestern coast of the island.  The estimated value of the seized narcotics is $17.7 million.

On Nov.1, a CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) Marine Patrol aircraft detected two vessels at sea that appeared to be transferring items.  The items appeared to be bundles of suspected narcotics.

The AMO MPA maintained surveillance assisting a USCG cutter to intercept one of the vessels.  The vessel was moved to Puerto Real, Cabo Rojo, where a US Border Patrol K9 alerted to the smell of narcotics inside 20 bundles found inside the vessel.

US Border Patrol Agents assumed custody of the contraband.  The FBI is in charge of the investigation.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021