US Coast Guard impounds $32.5m cocaine off Puerto Rico

US Coast Guard

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) seized about 1,100 kilograms of cocaine in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Friday. The seized cocaine is estimated to have a wholesale value of USD32.5 million.

The seizure comes on the heels of an interdiction in international waters off the southern coast of Puerto Rico on May 25, according to the USCG.

In the afternoon hours of May 25, a suspicious go-fast vessel was detected by the crew of a maritime patrol aircraft in international waters off the southern coast of Puerto Rico. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector San Juan diverted cutters to interdict the suspect vessel.

The crew interdicted the go-fast, detained three men on board and seized multiple bales of suspected contraband, which tested positive for cocaine.

The contraband was placed in the custody of US Drug Enforcement Administration special agents in Puerto Rico for processing and disposition.

Three suspected smugglers, all Dominican nationals, have been turned over to the US Department of Justice for prosecution, the USCG said.    



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