Crime

CBP Agents Seize Cocaine Valued at $9.5 Million in Puerto Rico

Marine Interdiction Agents from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations (AMO) intercepted a 24-foot vessel transporting approximately 913 pounds (414 Kilograms) of cocaine, about 10 nautical miles south of Desecheo island in Puerto Rico on Tuesday. The estimated street value of the seized narcotics is approximately $9.5 million. “Criminal organization seek to smuggle both migrants and contraband through the western coast of Puerto Rico,” stated Creighton Skeen, Acting Director of Air and Marine Operations at the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch (CAMB). “AMO continues to use its resources, technology, and maritime domain awareness to ensure there is a consequence for violating the laws of the United States.” According to CBP, upon receiving information about a suspicious vessel heading east towards the island’s west coast, a Mayaguez Coastal Interceptor vessel crew located a white Cape Horn center console vessel near Desecheo with two occupants onboard. Afte...