In a recent development, U.S. Border Patrol agents in Puerto Rico confiscated 37 pounds of cocaine during the arrest of three non-citizens, as reported by Chief Jason Owens via a social media post on X (formerly Twitter).

Chief Owens stated, "2/1: USBP agents in Carolina, Puerto Rico assisted their partners in the execution of a warrant, arresting 3 non-citizens from the Dominican Republic & seized 37 lbs. of cocaine, 3 rifles, 1 revolver & $10,590 Doesn’t get the attention, but our 95K+ miles of coast are also busy."

This news follows an incident in September 2023 when officers from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intercepted a shipment containing 71 pounds of cocaine concealed within six ice cream machines on a boat that originated from the Dominican Republic. The narcotics had an estimated street value of $768,000. The discovery was made during routine inspection of freight from the marine vessel KYDON.

Roberto Vaquero, Director of Field Operations for Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands, commented on the modus operandi of these criminal organizations saying, "Illicit narcotics are concealed by transnational criminal organizations among legitimate cargo to try to avoid detection. Our CBP officers use technology, as well as their training and expertise to discover the concealment methods and avoid these dangerous drugs from reaching our communities."

Another significant seizure occurred in October 2023 when Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agents discovered a boat carrying 3,382 pounds of cocaine south of Patillas, Puerto Rico. The haul had an estimated street value of $35 million. Three men from the Dominican Republic and Colombia were aboard this vessel.

Skeen emphasized on the ongoing battle against drug trafficking stating "Smugglers continue to try to introduce narcotics through Puerto Rico. AMO remains resolute to leverage its resources, technology, and maritime domain awareness to be able to intercept these incursions throughout the island."