Puerto Rico Drug Bust: Coast Guard and CBP Seize $5 Million in Cocaine from Trawler
Federal authorities have intercepted a massive shipment of narcotics off the coast of Puerto Rico, seizing approximately 358 kilograms (789 pounds) of cocaine with an estimated street value of over $5 million. The interdiction, executed on January 28, involved a coordinated effort between the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO).
According to officials, the operation began when the Coast Guard received reports of suspicious activity involving a trawler towing a domestic barge. Witnesses allegedly observed individuals onboard throwing multiple bundles into the water as law enforcement approached. Amid the chaos, a man reportedly jumped overboard in an attempt to evade capture.
San Juan Marine Interdiction agents were immediately deployed to assist in the search. By 8 a.m., authorities had recovered the individual from the water. The suspect, identified as a national of the Dominican Republic, was taken into custody. Agents subsequently recovered 10 bales of contraband from both the water and the barge. Field tests identified the substance as cocaine.
The detained individual and the seized narcotics were transported to San Juan for processing. Custody was transferred to the Homeland Security Task Force in San Juan, which will lead the ongoing investigation and handle legal proceedings.
Legal and Operational Context
While the seizure marks a significant tactical victory for maritime enforcement, legal experts caution that the investigation is in its early stages. The suspect, whose name has not been released, remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Defense counsel in similar maritime cases often challenge the “constructive possession” of narcotics found in international or territorial waters, particularly when contraband is jettisoned prior to boarding. Furthermore, the $5 million valuation provided by authorities is an estimate based on street prices, which can vary significantly depending on the point of sale and purity levels—figures often contested during sentencing phases.
Background on Caribbean Smuggling
This incident highlights the persistent role of the Caribbean corridor as a primary transit route for illicit narcotics moving from South America to the United States and Europe. Smugglers frequently utilize commercial vessels, such as trawlers and barges, to blend in with legitimate maritime traffic. The “towing” configuration used in this case is a known tactic designed to complicate boarding operations and provide plausible deniability for the crew of the towing vessel.
CBP Air and Marine Operations and the U.S. Coast Guard maintain a constant presence in the region, operating under the umbrella of the interagency task forces designed to disrupt transnational criminal organizations. Despite high-profile seizures, the volume of traffic in the region suggests that maritime smuggling organizations remain resilient, constantly adapting their methods to evade detection.
cbp.gov
uscg.mil
world-border-congress.com
