A stowaway was apprehended after being discovered adrift in a harbor in Puerto Rico, accompanied by nearly 800 pounds of cocaine, as reported by the U.S. Coast Guard on Monday. This incident underscores the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.
The individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, was first spotted by a crew member from a tugboat escorting a barge into the Old Army Terminal port in San Juan, Puerto Rico, during the early hours of January 28. After boarding the barge, the crew member promptly reported the sighting to the authorities and maintained their position until official assistance arrived.
Authorities quickly mobilized, with multiple agencies including the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Caribbean Air and Marine Branch, local police, and the Coast Guard boarding team in San Juan alerted to the situation. The Coast Guard’s San Juan team was dispatched to investigate the harbor.
In a brief period, a report emerged of a person in distress in the water. The Coast Guard boat responded, successfully retrieving the individual along with 10 bales of suspicious materials neatly wrapped in brown bags. Upon inspection, the contents were identified as 789.25 pounds of cocaine, estimated to be worth over $5 million.
The apprehended individual and the seized drugs were handed over to Homeland Security. The suspect is now facing charges related to federal drug trafficking. A thorough search of the barge yielded no additional contraband or accomplices, according to the Coast Guard.
Coast Guard Cmdr. Matthew Romano, chief of response for Sector San Juan, commended the illustrious actions of the tugboat crew, stating that the occurrence reflects the effective collaboration between various organizations involved.
“We are proud to stand the watch alongside our Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice and our local law enforcement partners as we continue to combat illicit trafficking throughout the waters of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands,” Romano remarked.
Key Takeaways
- A stowaway was found with nearly 800 pounds of cocaine in Puerto Rico.
- The Coast Guard, local police, and other agencies collaborated effectively in the response.
- The seized cocaine is valued at over $5 million.
- The suspect has been charged with federal drug trafficking offenses.
- The incident highlights the importance of vigilance in maritime operations.
FAQ
What agencies were involved in the rescue and seizure?
Multiple agencies, including the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and local police, participated in the response along with the U.S. Coast Guard.
What was the total weight of the seized cocaine?
The total weight of the seized cocaine was 789.25 pounds.
What are the potential consequences for the suspect?
The suspect faces federal drug trafficking charges, which can carry severe penalties.
