SAN JUAN, PR – Customs and Border Protection officers got another large cocaine seizure this week.
Officers assigned to the Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team at the Port of San Juan seized 365 pounds (165 kilograms) of cocaine concealed in a cargo container arriving from the Dominican Republic, according to a release issued on Wednesday afternoon.
During inbound cargo inspections on Monday, officers selected a container for physical inspection where CBP says they found eight duffel bags hidden among the pallets. Inside the duffel bags, officers found 149 brick-shaped objects, which tested positive for cocaine.
“Our dedicated U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers have once again demonstrated their commitment to safeguarding our Caribbean Border by interdicting a significant load of narcotics,” said Director of Field Operations for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands Roberto Vaquero. “Every pound of illicit drugs kept off our streets represents lives saved and communities protected from the devastating impact of drug trafficking. We will continue to leverage every resource and work tirelessly to secure our Caribbean Borders and protect the American people.
The seized cocaine, with an estimated street value of over $4 million, was secured in CBP custody.
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
