Federal Authorities Seize More Than 1,600 Pounds of Cocaine in Two Puerto Rico Maritime Busts

Three Dominican nationals arrested in latest interception off Loíza; earlier $5.5 million cocaine shipment intercepted north of Isabela

PUERTO RICO — Federal authorities have intercepted two major cocaine shipments in waters surrounding Puerto Rico within weeks of each other, seizing more than 1,600 pounds of cocaine and arresting six individuals in separate maritime operations.

The latest seizure occurred Friday, November 6, when the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) San Juan, working alongside federal law enforcement partners, intercepted approximately 505 kilograms (1,113 pounds) of cocaine in an operation conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) north of Loíza.

According to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), three Dominican Republic nationals were arrested in connection with the interception.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the estimated street value of the cocaine, provided the names of those arrested, or released additional details about the vessel involved. The initial announcement also did not specify what criminal charges the suspects may face.

Earlier $5.5 Million Seizure North of Isabela

The latest operation follows another significant cocaine interception in October, when the U.S. Coast Guard seized 489 pounds of cocaine estimated to have a wholesale value of approximately $5.5 million.

That operation took place October 10 in Atlantic Ocean waters north of Isabela, Puerto Rico.

According to the Coast Guard, an HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft operating out of Air Station Miami spotted a suspicious high-speed vessel during a routine maritime patrol.

Coast Guard Sector San Juan subsequently dispatched the cutter Winslow Griesser to intercept the vessel.

The crew stopped the boat, recovered the cocaine and detained three men aboard.

The suspects included two Dominican Republic nationals and one Chinese national. The seized narcotics were subsequently offloaded at Coast Guard Base San Juan, where custody of the men was transferred to federal authorities for further investigation.

Coast Guard Commander Matthew Romano, chief of response for Sector San Juan, credited the operation to the coordination and capabilities of the agency's aircrews, vessel crews and law enforcement partners.

Continued Federal Focus on Maritime Drug Trafficking

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Both operations highlight the continued efforts of federal authorities to intercept suspected narcotics shipments before they reach Puerto Rico.

The Homeland Security Task Force in San Juan brings together multiple federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including HSI, CBP, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI and the U.S. Coast Guard.

The task force is tasked with disrupting transnational criminal organizations, combating drug trafficking and addressing other cross-border criminal activity.

With two substantial cocaine seizures reported within weeks, federal maritime interdiction efforts remain an important part of the broader fight against drug trafficking throughout the Caribbean.