Two US citizens arrested, vessel intercepted with over 500 pounds of cocaine in Caribbean Sea

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, CMC – Two US Citizens were arrested by the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency on Thursday after they intercepted a vessel carrying over 500 pounds of cocaine. The vessel was intercepted near Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea.

CBP said the estimated value of the seized narcotics is US$ 4.6 million.

“These seizures underscore the unwavering commitment of our marine interdiction agents in safeguarding our nation’s borders from the scourge of drug trafficking,” said Christopher Hunter, CBP’s director of Air and Marine Operations in the Caribbean. “The successful operations on Tuesday and Thursday are a testament to the diligence, expertise and relentless effort of our team.

“We will continue to leverage all available resources and intelligence to disrupt and dismantle the networks that seek to smuggle illegal narcotics into our communities,” he added. “Our priority remains the safety and security of the American people.”

CBP said the Caribbean Air and Marine Operations Center contacted a Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, Marine Unit providing information regarding a vessel navigating east towards Mayaguez.