The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted a suspected drug smuggling vessel approximately 50 miles off the coast of Puerto Rico, seizing an estimated 7,250 pounds of cocaine valued at $54.5 million. The operation, which took place on Saturday, Aug. 22, resulted in the detention of five individuals aboard the boat.
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon, with assistance from Customs and Border Protection air and marine operations, interdicted the 30-foot vessel. Following the seizure, the Coast Guard destroyed the boat, citing that it posed a hazard to navigation.
Lieutenant Commander Michael D. Torgesen described the interdiction as an "outstanding team effort" resulting from seamless coordination between Coast Guard and CBP air assets. He expressed pride in the crew's dedication to striking a blow against transnational smuggling operations and protecting the nation's maritime borders in the Caribbean.
Admiral Adam Chamie, Commander of the Coast Guard Southeast District, highlighted the interdiction as an example of what ready crews and strong interagency partnerships can achieve in the maritime domain.
The Coast Guard has not yet announced charges in connection with this operation. This seizure follows a recent milestone for the agency, which in the preceding week offloaded more than 75,000 pounds of illicit narcotics, valued at $473 million, in Port Everglades, Florida.