The U.S. Coast Guard seized 142 bricks of cocaine, a major success in the fight against drug smuggling. A suspicious vessel headed toward Puerto Rico was intercepted by Coast Guard cutter Joseph Tezanos. Two men have been detained and could be facing life in prison. Several agencies collectively worked together to bring an end of drug smuggling routes.
At a Glance
- Coast Guard seized nearly 400 pounds of cocaine from a boat in Puerto Rico.
- A suspicious vessel was spotted heading towards Rincón, Puerto Rico.
- 142 packages of cocaine valued at $4.3 million.
- The bust is part of a larger effort by the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force.
Coast Guard’s Successful Interdiction
The Coast Guard’s interception occurred when officials noticed a suspicious vessel in international waters on September 28. Heading towards Rincón, Puerto Rico, the boat was intercepted by the Coast Guard cutter, Joseph Tezanos. Upon inspection, authorities discovered brick-sized packages of suspected contraband that tested positive for cocaine, totaling nearly 400 pounds.
The operation exemplifies the effectiveness of joint interagency efforts, as noted by United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow: “I congratulate the United States Coast Guard personnel for this successful interdiction of an international drug smuggling venture.”
This statement underlines the significance of these coordinated operations in maintaining national security.
Coast Guard Seizes Bricks Of Cocaine Valued At $4.3M From Boat In Puerto Rico, 2 Arrested https://t.co/6d001PCmlC #OAN
— One America News (@OANN) October 2, 2024
Operational Details and Arrests
The two men arrested are U.S. citizens who now face federal charges, including possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. If convicted, they could face sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison. This operation was a part of the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force’s effort to curb drug smuggling routes through Puerto Rico, known for being a transit point to the U.S. mainland.
The bust demonstrates the Coast Guard’s commitment and resourcefulness in tackling drug trafficking through rigorous maritime operations, ensuring coastal safety is upheld.
Wow!! 4950 lbs of cocaine seized by Coast Guard Cutter Alert – street value of over $143 million! ⚓️#druginterdiction@USCG @USCGPacificNW
Read more:https://t.co/Csu8r9kag8 pic.twitter.com/OhcZMXwZ6S
— USCG Pacific Area (@USCGPACAREA) February 26, 2024
Multi-agency and International Cooperation
This mission was supported by several agencies, including the DEA, FBI, Homeland Security, and ICE, showcasing effective synergy in combating extensive transitional organized crime networks. Coast Guard Cutter Robert Yered’s recent offload in Miami Beach further emphasized this collaboration, involving a multi-national coalition that intercepts narcotics in the Caribbean Basin.
Vice Adm. Karl Schultz praised the operation, saying, “This not only showcases the threat posed by dangerous cartels…but it also highlights the commitment of the Coast Guard and its interagency partner’s efforts to detect, interdict, investigate and prosecute operatives for these criminal networks.”
While such interdictions prove challenging, the Coast Guard’s persistence ensures drug smuggling via maritime routes is constantly challenged, protecting the nation from illicit drug influxes.
