The Air and Marine Operations branch of Customs and Border Protection patrols the coasts and territories of the U.S observing suspicious activity among other duties. Puerto Rico is an active area for drug smuggling activity and AMO made massive bust on January 20, 2023.
Border Patrol Air and Marine Operations Agents Seize Over 2.2K POUNDS of COCAINE in Puerto Rico – Estimated Street Value of $23.5 MILLION
Agents with the Multi Role Enforcement Aircraft unit of the AMO spotted a two-engine seafaring vessel with three people onboard close to Humacao. These types of boats are often used when smuggling drugs out of South America and into North America via the Caribbean.
Word of the vessel was relayed to Coastal Interceptor Vessel units in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. AMO continued to keep an eye on the vessel until Coastal Interceptors arrived and intercepted the suspected smuggling vessel south of Humacao.
A search of the vessel revealed 36 bales of suspected cocaine weighing 2,262 pounds—or 1,026 kilos. The CBP estimated the street value at $23.5 million. The DEA took possession of the drugs while Homeland Security took the smugglers—two from the Dominican Republic and one from Colombia—into custody for further investigation.
Director Augusto Reyes of AMO in Puerto and the U.S Virgin Islands said of the massive seizure:
“This is the second successful interdiction in the last two weekends. Air and Marine Operations agents are determined to detect and intercept any attempts to smuggle contraband to our shores.”
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