US AMO Agents Interdict Vessel with 289 Pounds of Cocaine Attempting to Reach Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agents interdicted Tuesday a vessel with four occupants transporting 289 pounds (131 kilos) of cocaine west of the coast of El Combate, Cabo Rojo.  The estimated value is approximately $ 2.7 million.

“Transnational criminal organizations are relentless in attempting to smuggle contraband,” Augusto Reyes, Director of the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch.  “AMO agents are committed to use all our capabilities to interdict them throughout our coastal areas.” 

On June 22, Mayaguez Marine Interdiction Agents conducting a patrol approached for inspection a vessel navigating east towards Cabo Rojo.

Upon approach, the four occupants failed to heave and started dumping objects to the water.  During pursuit the Marine Interdiction Agents disabled the engines on the vessel brining the vessel to full stop.

The four occupants were arrested and agents recovered bales containing 109 bricks of a white powdery substance which tested positive for the properties of cocaine.

The US Coast Guard Investigative Service took custody of four men and the contraband for prosecution and investigation.