U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers recently seized 51 pounds of cocaine on the M/V Kydon ferry, which arrived at the Pan-American Dock East in San Juan from Santo Domingo. The contraband's estimated value is $400,000.
"Each interception, hidden within the vessels from foreign sources, represents not only a victory against the flow of deadly substances but also our agency’s commitment to combatting the devastating impact of drug trafficking in our communities," stated Roberto Vaquero, Director of Field Operations for the San Juan Field Office. "We remain committed to disrupting criminal networks attempting to exploit our ports and continue to partner closely with international, local and Federal agencies to uphold the safety and security of our region."
The seizure took place on March 24 when CBP officers from the Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team inspected the ferry. A trained CBP K9 detected an odor that led officers to find two plastic-wrapped bundles near emergency evacuation boats.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has taken custody of the cocaine. The Homeland Security Task Force will oversee further investigation under President’s Executive Order 14159 § 6: “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.” This order mandates task forces led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations to dismantle criminal cartels and transnational organizations across the U.S., focusing on offenses involving children.
"Criminal organizations who plan to smuggle deadly narcotics into our island should know that we will investigate their illegal activities until we identify their leaders and bring them to justice," said Rebecca C. Gonzalez-Ramos, Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Juan. "HSI agents will remain vigilant and will dismantle criminal transnational organizations that pose a threat to national security and the public safety of our island."
CBP plays a crucial role at U.S. ports of entry, with responsibilities including screening foreign visitors, returning American citizens, and inspecting imported cargo at over 300 land, air, and seaports.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is America's frontline law enforcement organization tasked with safeguarding borders on land, air, and sea while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
