Massive Drug Seizure at Sea: Coast Guard’s Unprecedented Operation

United States Coast Guard emblem on stone wall.

Coast Guard seizes nearly 400 pounds of cocaine off Puerto Rico, two U.S. citizens arrested.

At a Glance

  • Coast Guard intercepted a vessel carrying 142 packages of cocaine valued at $4.3 million
  • Two U.S. citizens arrested and face federal charges with potential life sentences
  • Part of ongoing efforts by Caribbean Corridor Strike Force to combat drug trafficking
  • Puerto Rico remains a known transit point for drugs smuggled to the U.S. mainland

Major Drug Bust in Puerto Rican Waters

The U.S. Coast Guard has dealt a significant blow to drug traffickers in a recent operation off the coast of Puerto Rico. On September 28, the Coast Guard cutter Joseph Tezanos intercepted a suspicious vessel in international waters heading towards Rincón, Puerto Rico. Upon inspection, crew members discovered 142 “brick-sized packages” of suspected cocaine, later confirmed through testing.

The drug haul, weighing nearly 400 pounds and valued at approximately $4.3 million, represents a major victory in the ongoing battle against maritime drug trafficking. Two men, both U.S. citizens, were taken into custody and now face federal charges, including possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. If convicted, they could be sentenced to anywhere from 10 years to life in prison.

Collaborative Effort in Drug Interdiction

This successful operation was part of the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force, a multi-agency initiative involving the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The collaborative nature of this effort underscores the commitment of various law enforcement agencies to disrupt the flow of illegal narcotics.

“I congratulate the United States Coast Guard personnel for this successful interdiction of an international drug smuggling venture,” said United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow in the news release. “We greatly appreciate the U.S. Coast Guard’s unwavering support and dedication to keeping Puerto Rico and our nation safe.”

The seizure is part of a larger trend of recent drug interdictions in the region. Earlier in September, authorities discovered $33 million worth of cocaine on a beach in Puerto Rico. In August, another operation resulted in the seizure of 660 pounds of cocaine from a boat. These incidents highlight the persistent challenge posed by drug trafficking organizations and the continued vigilance required to combat them.

Puerto Rico: A Key Transit Point

Puerto Rico’s strategic location in the Caribbean makes it a prime transit point for drug smugglers attempting to move their illicit cargo to the U.S. mainland and other countries. The island’s proximity to South America and its status as a U.S. territory make it an attractive waypoint for traffickers seeking to exploit maritime routes.

“Two men are in the custody of the Drug Enforcement Agency after Coast Guard officials seized nearly 400 pounds of cocaine from a boat in Puerto Rico.”

Law enforcement agencies continue to adapt their strategies to counter the evolving tactics of drug smugglers. This includes the use of advanced surveillance technologies, increased maritime patrols, and enhanced cooperation between international partners. The recent seizure demonstrates the effectiveness of these measures in disrupting the drug supply chain and bringing traffickers to justice.

Ongoing Commitment to Maritime Security

The Coast Guard’s success in this operation reaffirms its critical role in safeguarding America’s maritime borders and combating transnational criminal organizations. As drug traffickers employ increasingly sophisticated methods, including the use of semi-submersible vessels or “narco subs,” law enforcement agencies must remain vigilant and adaptable.

The fight against drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific continues to be a top priority for the U.S. Coast Guard and its partner agencies. Through sustained effort and international cooperation, authorities aim to disrupt the flow of illegal narcotics, dismantle criminal networks, and protect communities from the devastating impacts of drug abuse and associated violence.

Sources:

  1. Coast Guard seizes $4.3 million of cocaine from boat off coast of Puerto Rico
  2. Coast Guard offloads more than $18 million in illegal narcotics interdicted in Caribbean Sea
  3. Coast Guard offloads 26.5 tons of cocaine seized in Eastern Pacific Drug Transit