SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A narcotics smuggling attempt was thwarted early Saturday morning by Marine Interdiction Agents of US Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (AMO), and Puerto Rico Police Department FURA agents, resulting in the seizure of 860 pounds (390 kilos) of cocaine. The estimated value of the seized narcotics is approximately $9.3 million.
During a routine evening patrol, a Caribbean Air and Marine Branch AMO Coastal interceptor Vessel crew received an alert from FURA of a suspect vessel near the vicinity of Boquerón, Puerto Rico.
Marine Interdiction Agents navigated the area finding a lights-out vessel about 6 nautical miles west of Boqueron. The intercepted vessel was a 25’ Dusky center console with two (2) 200 HP Suzuki outboard engines, with two occupants onboard. The occupants are US citizen residents of the municipality of Cabo Rojo.
During the border search of the vessel, the Marine Interdiction Agents found 14 bales of suspected contraband hidden inside the vessel’s forward cabin. The tested contraband was positive to the properties of cocaine.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents took custody of the two individuals and the seized contraband.
AMO safeguards our Nation by anticipating and confronting security threats through our aviation and maritime law enforcement expertise, innovative capabilities, and partnerships at the border and beyond. With approximately 1,800 federal agents and mission support personnel, 240 aircraft, and 300 marine vessels operating throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, AMO conducts its mission in the air and maritime environments at and beyond the border, and within the nation's interior.