US CBP seizes 1,309 pounds of cocaine off southern Puerto Rico

Air and Marine Operations, an operational component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in coordination with law enforcement partners, interdicted a vessel south of Guayanilla, Puerto Rico, resulting in the seizure of 1,309 pounds of cocaine. The estimated value of the seized contraband is $9.4 million.

On Oct. 7, Ponce Marine Operations crews located and intercepted a Yola-type vessel with three individuals on board. The vessel and its occupants were transported to the Ponce port of entry for further examination.

Field testing confirmed the seized contraband was cocaine. The three undocumented occupants are Venezuelan nationals.

“Air and Marine Operations remains committed to protecting Puerto Rico’s maritime borders and disrupting transnational criminal organizations that seek to move dangerous contraband through the Caribbean,” said Christopher Hunter, director of the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch. “This seizure reflects the value of coordinated maritime enforcement and the vigilance of our personnel and partner agencies.”