U.S. Border Patrol agents and Puerto Rico Police Department FURA units seized 1,640 pounds of cocaine and apprehended 17 undocumented migrants from Haiti and the Dominican Republic in separate incidents on Thursday. The estimated value of the seized cocaine is $14.8 million.
"The continued successful collaboration between the U.S. Border Patrol and FURA showcases our shared commitment to protecting the borders of Puerto Rico and safeguarding its communities," said Reggie Johnson, Acting Chief Patrol Agent. "The results of these separate incidents, on the same day, is a testament to the dedication and effectiveness of our joint efforts."
On January 9, at approximately 1:42 AM, a FURA Arecibo Marine Unit observed a vessel traveling southeast toward Barceloneta, PR, without navigation lights. FURA attempted to stop the vessel, but it failed to heave, making landfall near Puerto Las Vacas Beach. Three subjects reportedly absconded from the vessel.
Ramey Sector Border Patrol Agents discovered an abandoned 23-foot fiberglass vessel with two 60 hp Yamaha outboard engines. During a search of the area with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and PRPD officers, they found 19 bales of suspected cocaine.
The contraband was seized by U.S. Border Patrol and handed over to Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation.
Later that morning, at around 6:00 AM, a FURA Marine unit reported an attempt to intercept a Yola vessel about 10 nautical miles north of Desecheo Island. A pursuit involving FURA and CBP Air and Marine Operations Maritime Patrol Aircraft ensued but was unsuccessful in intercepting the vessel before it made landfall near Maria’s Beach in Rincón.
Ramey Sector Border Patrol Agents responded to Maria’s Beach in Rincón where they found a 23-foot blue fiberglass yola. They searched the area and apprehended 17 non-citizens: 11 adult men, three adult women from the Dominican Republic, and three adult men from Haiti.
The non-citizens were taken to Ramey Border Patrol Station for processing for removal.
The Ramey Sector is one of twenty-one Sectors across the United States and is unique as it covers U.S. territorial islands outside continental America. Its jurisdiction includes some 6,000 square miles of land and water area along with twelve miles of territorial waters surrounding these islands.
For anonymous tips contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection at 1(800)981-1313.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) describes itself as America's frontline law enforcement organization aimed at securing travel, trade while enhancing national security through various strategies including innovation and collaboration.
