Vessel intercepted in the Caribbean Sea during an attempt to smuggle US$26.4 million worth of cocaine

FAJARDO, Puerto Rico– A vessel transporting 40 bales of cocaine was intercepted in the Caribbean Sea on Wednesday, the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency said.

The estimated weight of the drugs was nearly 2,646 pounds, with an estimated street value of US$26.4 million.

According to the CBP, Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agents intercepted the “Spyder type yola vessel” with two engines and two persons on board south of Vieques island, off Puerto Rico. 

The two occupants claimed to be US citizens, CBP said. 

Inside the vessel, agents recovered 40 bales containing a white powdery substance, which tested positive for the properties of cocaine.

CBP said the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) took the two people into custody and seized the contraband. 

“Smuggling attempts into Puerto Rico come from many areas throughout the island,” said Augusto Reyes, director of the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch.  

“AMO agents are committed to using all our capabilities to interdict them throughout our coastal areas.”