Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials recently made a significant drug seizure, intercepting 1,155 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of approximately $15 million.
The drugs were found south of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, just two days after a separate vessel was discovered carrying 18 pounds of cocaine in Rincon.
This operation was part of a coordinated effort involving the CBP’s Air and Marine Operations (AMO), which successfully interdicted a vessel late Tuesday night in western Puerto Rico. The 30-foot yola-type vessel was navigating north, about 22 miles south of Cabo Rojo, when it was intercepted.
Three individuals aboard, all from the Dominican Republic, were arrested for entering or remaining in the U.S. without proper documentation.
Details of the Interception
The Coastal Interceptor vessel, supported by a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, tracked the suspect vessel before it was detained. Upon boarding the vessel, authorities discovered not only the significant drug haul but also a rifle aboard the boat.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) took custody of the three suspects and the firearm, while the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) assumed control of the seized narcotics.
Creighton Skeen, deputy director of Air and Marine Operations in the Caribbean, highlighted the importance of this successful interdiction: “This successful interdiction highlights the critical role maritime domain awareness plays in securing our nation’s borders. Our teams are committed to protecting the homeland by stopping drug trafficking before it reaches U.S. shores.”
A Separate Discovery in Rincon
Just days earlier, on Sunday, CBP’s Caribbean Air and Marine Operations had detected a suspected vessel about 3 nautical miles southwest of Black Eagle Beach in Rincon.
The vessel, a 22-foot white boat with a 60-horsepower engine, was found beached along the shoreline.
While the previous seizure involved a smaller amount of drugs, the combined efforts of CBP, the Ramey Sector, and the FBI underscore the ongoing vigilance in securing U.S. borders in the Caribbean region.
The Role of the Ramey Sector
The Ramey Sector is a critical part of the U.S. Border Patrol, as it covers Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands—the only U.S. Border Patrol sector located outside the continental United States.
The sector spans over 6,000 square miles of both land and water, making it a crucial area for combating drug trafficking and illegal immigration.
Read Also: 60 Children Reunited With Families After U.S. Marshals Operation in Florida
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Drug Trafficking
These recent successes in intercepting drug shipments off the coast of Puerto Rico illustrate the tireless efforts of CBP’s Air and Marine Operations to stop illicit drugs from reaching U.S. shores.
With the increasing sophistication of drug smuggling operations, these interdictions are vital in disrupting the flow of illegal narcotics into the United States.
What Do You Think?
How do you feel about the efforts of CBP and AMO in stopping illegal drug trafficking? Should more resources be dedicated to these operations? Share your thoughts in the comments below on RidgecrestPact.org.
