U.S. border patrol agents seize $6 million worth of cocaine off Puerto Rico’s coast, arresting two Dominican nationals in a significant blow to drug trafficking operations.
At a Glance
- 11 bales of cocaine weighing over 660 pounds were confiscated
- Two Dominican Republic citizens were arrested in the operation
- The incident occurred 43 miles south of Ponce, Puerto Rico
- This is one of several multimillion-dollar drug seizures in Puerto Rican waters this year
- Puerto Rico remains a known transit point for drugs smuggled to the U.S. mainland and other countries
Major Drug Bust Highlights Ongoing Battle Against Narcotics Trafficking
In a significant victory for law enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents have intercepted a massive cocaine shipment valued at $6 million off the coast of Puerto Rico. The operation, which took place 43 miles south of Ponce, resulted in the arrest of two Dominican Republic nationals and the seizure of over 660 pounds of cocaine, packaged in 11 bales.
The successful interdiction began when a CBP aircraft detected a suspicious 27-foot blue and white vessel equipped with two 75 HP Yamaha outboard motors. A Marine Unit was promptly dispatched to intercept the boat. Upon boarding, a CBP K9 unit alerted officers to the presence of narcotics, leading to the discovery of the substantial cocaine cache.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Drug Trafficking
This latest seizure is part of a broader, ongoing effort to stem the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. Recent weeks have seen multiple narcotics seizures, including the confiscation of over a ton of drugs at a U.S.-Mexico border port in July. On August 24, CBP officers uncovered $3 million worth of cocaine cleverly hidden in a charcoal shipment at the Rio Grande port of entry.
Federal agents in Puerto Rico say they have seized $6 million worth of cocaine and arrested two men from the Dominican Republic in waters south of the U.S. territory. More than 660 pounds (300 kilograms) of cocaine were found aboard a boat traveling south of the U.S. territory on Wednesday, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is the latest multimillion-dollar drug seizure this year in waters surrounding Puerto Rico. In July, federal agents seized $4.6 million worth of cocaine west of the island. Puerto Rico is considered a transit point for drugs being smuggled to the U.S. mainland and other countries.
The scale of the drug trafficking problem is staggering. CBP figures reveal that between October 2023 and July 2024, a staggering 442,000 pounds of drugs were seized in over 42,000 separate events. Of particular concern is the fact that over 52,000 pounds of cocaine were intercepted by border patrol in both 2024 and 2023, highlighting the persistent nature of this illicit trade.
Puerto Rico: A Key Battleground in the War on Drugs
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s May 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment specifically identified Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic as crucial smuggling routes for cocaine. This latest bust underscores the critical role these Caribbean territories play in the international drug trade and the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in the region.
“People are using drugs whether we like it or not, and that has to be the starting point for any pragmatic policy thinking,” Steve Rolles, Senior Policy Analyst at Transform Drug Policy Foundation, previously told Newsweek. “We have a choice; we either responsibly regulate these drugs or we leave them in the hands of organized crime groups. There is no third option in which those markets simply disappear.”
The human cost of this illicit trade is devastating. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2023 alone. Cocaine, a highly addictive stimulant derived from the coca plant native to South America, continues to be a significant contributor to these tragic statistics.
Conclusion: A Relentless Battle Against Drug Trafficking
As law enforcement agencies continue their tireless efforts to combat drug trafficking, this recent $6 million cocaine bust serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges they face. The operation’s success highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation and the critical role of advanced detection technologies in the fight against narcotics smuggling.
While this seizure represents a significant victory, it also underscores the persistent nature of the drug trade and the need for continued vigilance. As the largest law enforcement organization in the United States, with over 65,000 personnel, CBP remains at the forefront of this ongoing battle, working tirelessly to protect our borders and communities from the scourge of illegal drugs.
