Major Cocaine Bust in San Juan
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in San Juan, Puerto Rico, intercepted 51 pounds (23 kilograms) of cocaine with an estimated street value of $400,000. The drugs were discovered hidden aboard the M/V Kydon at the Pan-American Dock East.
Significant Victory in Drug Interdiction
Roberto Vaquero, Director of Field Operations for the San Juan Field Office, praised the seizure as a victory against the flow of deadly substances and highlighted CBP's commitment to combating drug trafficking. He emphasized the agency's continued collaboration with international, local, and federal agencies to ensure regional safety and security.
Investigation Details
On March 24th, CBP's Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team (A-TCET) inspected the ferry arriving from Santo Domingo. A K9 unit alerted to the presence of narcotics, leading to the discovery of two plastic-wrapped bundles of cocaine near the emergency evacuation boats. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) took custody of the contraband, and the newly established Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) will lead the criminal investigation.
HSTF's Mission
The HSTF, established under President Biden's Executive Order 14159, aims to dismantle criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) operating within the United States. A key focus is disrupting cross-border human smuggling and trafficking, particularly offenses involving children.
HSI's Commitment
Rebecca C. Gonzalez-Ramos, Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Juan, declared that criminal organizations attempting to smuggle narcotics into Puerto Rico will be investigated thoroughly, and their leaders will be brought to justice. HSI agents remain dedicated to dismantling transnational criminal organizations that threaten national security and public safety.
CBP's Broad Mission
CBP's multifaceted mission at ports of entry includes screening foreign visitors, returning American citizens, and imported cargo at over 300 land, air, and seaports across the U.S.