The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted a suspected drug smuggling boat off the coast of Puerto Rico, seizing more than 7,000 pounds of cocaine valued at approximately $54.5 million. The operation, which occurred on Saturday, August 22, also resulted in the detention of five individuals.
Cocaine was discovered on the vessel approximately 50 miles from the U.S. territory. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon, with assistance from Customs and Border Protection air and marine operations, conducted the interception. An estimated 7,250 pounds of the drug were aboard the boat.
The Coast Guard subsequently destroyed the boat, stating it posed a hazard to navigation. The investigation into the matter remains active, and charges have not yet been announced.
Lieutenant Commander Michael D. Torgesen of the Coast Guard highlighted the successful interagency coordination, stating, "An outstanding team effort thanks to seamless coordination with Coast Guard and CBP air assets, cutter Richard Dixon was in the right place at the right time to stop a major shipment." He added, "I’m constantly humbled by my crew’s dedication and am proud to serve alongside them as we strike a direct blow against transnational smuggling operations and protect the nation’s maritime borders in the Caribbean."
Admiral Adam Chamie, Coast Guard Southeast District Commander, noted the significance of the interdiction, saying, "This interdiction shows what ready crews and strong interagency partnerships can achieve in the maritime domain."
This seizure follows a recent milestone for the Coast Guard, which on Monday offloaded more than 75,000 pounds of illicit narcotics, valued at $473 million, at Port Everglades in Miami, Florida.
