Photo by: Coast Guard PADET-San Juan
The US coast guard has seized 388 pounds (176 kgs) of cocaine with an estimated wholesale value of $4.3m, according to a news release. Authorities said two persons onboard a suspicious 22-foot sport-craft vessel were arrested.
The apprehended smugglers are U.S. citizens, who face federal prosecution in Puerto Rico on criminal charges including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance aboard a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, according to the release.
The charges carry a minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a maximum sentence of imprisonment for life.
As it is reported, the coast guard transferred the two smugglers to DEA custody in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
The vessel was detected on September 28 in international waters navigating towards Rincón, Puerto Rico.
Coast Guard watchstanders in sector San Juan diverted the cutter Joseph Tezanos that arrived on scene and stopped the suspect vessel.
Once alongside the suspect vessel, the coast guard crew located 142 brick-sized packages of suspected contraband inside the vessel, which tested positive for cocaine.
“I am extremely proud of my crew for their response and professionalism in disrupting organized crime within U.S. waters,” said Lt. Kali B. Carmine, coast guard cutter Joseph Tezanos, commanding officer. “This successful interdiction and seizure underscore the collaboration and commitment of our federal, local, and regional partners in countering the flow of narcotics within the Caribbean, specifically the Mona Passage.”
