FAJARDO, Puerto Rico – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) intercepted a vessel attempting to smuggle 3,687 pounds (1,672.2 kilograms) of cocaine near the southern coast of Vieques on Wednesday. The estimated value of the seized narcotics is $33 million.
CBP agents detected the vessel in the early hours with its lights off. After being spotted, the vessel was intentionally beached by its occupants, who fled into a nearby brushy area. AMO Marine Interdiction agents were able to recover the vessel, which contained 60 bales of cocaine.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has taken custody of the contraband and vessel for further investigation. Christopher Hunter, Director of Air and Marine Operations in the Caribbean, praised the operation as a significant victory in the ongoing fight against illicit drug smuggling.–News Desk