In a significant operation near Puerto Rico, the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency announced the interception of 384 pounds (174.4 kilograms) of cocaine, valued at approximately US$ 4.3 million.
Creighton Skeen, acting director of Air and Marine Operations in the Caribbean, commended the dedication of CBP’s agents involved in the interception.
Skeen emphasized the agency’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding communities and thwarting the detrimental effects of drug trafficking.
Surveillance aircraft leads to arrests
During a routine patrol, the crew aboard an AMO Multi-Role Enforcement Aircraft (MEA) spotted a suspicious vessel operating without lights northwest of Mona Island.
CBP noted tha int maintaining surveillance, the aircraft crew coordinated with an AMO Marine unit to intercept the vessel.
Despite attempts by the vessel’s occupants to evade capture by dumping contraband overboard, Marine Interdiction agents successfully halted the vessel and apprehended its three occupants—a Venezuelan and two Dominican Republic nationals.
Collaborative efforts for prosecution
Following the seizure, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and US Homeland Security Investigations assumed custody of the detained individuals and the confiscated cocaine for further investigation and prosecution.
Denise Foster, Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Caribbean Division, emphasized the critical role of maritime surveillance assets in combating drug trafficking.
She reaffirmed the agencies’ commitment to collaboration and resource allocation aimed at tackling criminal organizations operating in vulnerable areas.
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