US Coast Guard seizes $5.4 million in cocaine after high-seas chase off Puerto Rico
Key Points(5)
- The successful bust was the result of a coordinated multi-agency operation under the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force, which included support from U.S.
- Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations.
- The five suspected smugglers, all Dominican Republic nationals, were turned over to the Dominican Republic Navy on Saturday off Punta Cana.
- The operation began on the night of April 28, when a 35-foot go-fast boat was spotted in international waters north of Aguadilla by a Customs and Border Protection enforcement aircraft.
- Coast Guard watchstanders from Sector San Juan quickly diverted the Joseph Napier to intercept.
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier offloaded approximately 725 pounds of cocaine, valued at $5.4 million, in San Juan on Wednesday following the interdiction of a drug-smuggling vessel in international waters north of Puerto Rico.
The successful bust was the result of a coordinated multi-agency operation under the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force, which included support from U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations. The five suspected smugglers, all Dominican Republic nationals, were turned over to the Dominican Republic Navy on Saturday off Punta Cana.
The operation began on the night of April 28, when a 35-foot go-fast boat was spotted in international waters north of Aguadilla by a Customs and Border Protection enforcement aircraft. Coast Guard watchstanders from Sector San Juan quickly diverted the Joseph Napier to intercept.
Upon arrival, the cutter launched its Over the Horizon pursuit boat. The smugglers attempted to flee and were seen tossing bales of suspected contraband into the sea. Despite the evasive efforts, the cutter’s crew successfully stopped the vessel, gained compliance, and recovered eight bales of cocaine — seven of which had been thrown overboard.
“This was an excellent case that would not have been possible without the support provided by Customs and Border Protection Caribbean Air and Marine Branch,” said Lt. John M. Groen, commanding officer of the Joseph Napier. “Their flight remained on scene for several hours and communicated flawlessly with the pursuit team. I am so incredibly proud of the entire Joseph Napier crew’s outstanding performance.”
The interdiction underscores the ongoing commitment of U.S. and regional agencies to disrupt the operations of transnational criminal organizations operating in Caribbean waters. The Caribbean Corridor Strike Force, which led the operation, includes personnel from the DEA, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for Puerto Rico.
The Joseph Napier, a 154-foot Sentinel-class fast response cutter, is homeported in San Juan and plays a key role in maritime security and counter-narcotics operations in the region.
