US Coast Guard seizes $19million worth of cocaine in the Caribbean
The crew of the US Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Donald Horsley have taken over 1,709 pounds of cocaine during their recent operations in waters southeast of Puerto Rico.
According to the USCG, the vessel was on patrol on August 26 when it interdicted a suspect non-compliant 46-foot go-fast vessel. Following a high-speed chase, the cutter crew apprehended the suspected smugglers and successfully recovered 31 bales of contraband, which had been dumped from the go-fast vessel during the pursuit.
Three male smugglers, who are Venezuelan nationals, were detained.
The drugs and suspects were handed over to federal law enforcement authorities in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on August 31.
USCG said the seized cocaine is estimated to have a wholesale value of US$19 million.
"The strong collaboration and coordination between our Coast Guard units and partner law enforcement agencies operating in the Caribbean are instrumental to achieving continued successful outcomes like in this case,” said Captain José E Díaz, Coast Guard Sector San Juan commander. “Our shared resolve and collective efforts are critical to further strengthening the security and stability of the region while safeguarding our citizens in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands from this threat.”
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