The Coast Guard’s latest drug bust is a gripping reminder of the ongoing fight against illicit trafficking.
At a Glance
- Two men are in DEA custody after the Coast Guard seized nearly 400 pounds of cocaine from a boat in Puerto Rico.
- The suspicious vessel was intercepted in international waters heading toward Rincón, Puerto Rico.
- The seized cocaine is valued at $4.3 million.
- The operation was part of the multi-agency Caribbean Corridor Strike Force.
Routine Inspection Leads to Massive Cocaine Seizure
During a routine maritime inspection, the Coast Guard discovered a substantial haul of 142 brick-sized packages of cocaine on a small vessel. Laboratory tests confirmed the packages contained the illicit drug. The successful operation underscores the Coast Guard’s essential role in fighting maritime drug trafficking. Their vigilance and proactive strategy are crucial in maintaining the security and safety of coastal regions, curtailing the flow of illegal substances, and protecting communities from the detrimental impact of narcotic distribution.
The suspicious vessel was spotted on September 28 in international waters heading towards Rincón, Puerto Rico. Coast Guard’s Joseph Tezanos cutter intercepted the vessel, discovering 142 packages of cocaine valued at $4.3 million. Two men, U.S. citizens, were arrested and are now in DEA custody. They face federal charges, including possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, with potential sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison.
https://twitter.com/USCGPACAREA/status/1762213708540104852
Collaborative Efforts to Combat Drug Trafficking
The seizure was part of the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force, involving multiple agencies such as the DEA, FBI, Coast Guard, Homeland Security, and ICE. This collaborative effort is essential to tackling the issue on a broader scale. Recent large cocaine seizures highlight the persistent threat; for example, $33 million worth of cocaine was found on a beach in Puerto Rico in early September, and 660 pounds were seized from a boat in August.
Puerto Rico remains a known transit point for drugs smuggled to the U.S. mainland and other countries. Recent operations only emphasize the Coast Guard’s ongoing commitment to intercepting these dangerous substances. The Coast Guard Cutter Robert Yered recently offloaded over 1,380 pounds of cocaine in Miami Beach, valued at approximately $18.1 million. This interdiction, executed in the Caribbean Sea by a U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement detachment aboard a U.S. Navy ship, led to the rescue of three suspected smugglers after their vessel capsized.
This kind of thing is becoming daily news, isn’t it?
