AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico – U.S. Border Patrol and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) Joint Forces for Rapid Action (FURA) agents seized 1326 pounds (601 Kilos) of cocaine found Monday inside a vessel, arresting two aliens from the Dominican Republic. The estimated value of the seized narcotics is $15.6 million.
work with PRPD consistently to protect
Puerto Rico. Photo Credit: Jose Quinones
“We work daily with our Stonegarden partner FURA to stop smuggling attempts in different locations throughout the island,” stated Ramiro Cerrillo, Ramey Sector Chief Patrol Agent in Aguadilla.
A FURA marine unit encountered a twin-engine 28-foot Contender vessel operated by two men, near Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. FURA requested assistance from Ramey Sector Border Patrol agents after stopping the vessel.
Border Patrol and FURA agents searched the vessel finding bales of suspected narcotics. The two men, who claimed to be citizens of the Dominican Republic, were arrested.
Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) assumed custody of the contraband, the arrested aliens and the vessel, worth $70,000, for investigation and prosecution.
“We will not let down our guard. We won’t stop. We have been doing it and we will continue joining efforts and resources against drug trafficking in the Caribbean,” stated Acting Special Agent InCharge for the DEA, Reinaldo Lopez. “Expect to see more results like this on in the near future. Inter-agency efforts have been excellent and we’ll continue to achieve great results.”
The Operation Stonegarden Grant Program (OPSG) is designed to enhance cooperation and coordination from the U.S. Border Patrol with local, tribal, territorial, state and federal law enforcement agencies in a joint mission to secure the border.
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