Tuesday, 21 February 2012

245 kilogrammes of cocaine seized en route to Puerto Rico

The Caribbean Corridor Strike Force (CCSF) has seized 119 bricks of cocaine. The drugs are estimated to weigh 245 kilogrammes and are worth approximately $4.9 million.

Multiple agencies were involved in the operation including the Marine Patrol Aircraft (MPA) and Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP); an agent from the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) also took part.
Agents noticed a suspicious vessel as it travelled east to Puerto Rico with two people aboard. A second vessel was observed travelling west towards the Dominican Republic. The close proximity of the two vessels led agents to believe that contraband was about to be transferred at sea.

A CBP marine interceptor was launched to intercept the vessel as it closed in off the coast of La Parguera. The crew where then told to sail to the Mayaguez Marine Unit where agents and officers could carry out a further inspection, this is when the cocaine was discovered.

Special agents have taken custody of the seized narcotics and two brothers have appeared in the court; the investigation continues.

U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, said:

“We will continue maximizing all of our combined resources to investigate and prosecute those who in flagrant disregard of our laws and try to smuggle and transport illegal contraband in our jurisdiction."

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