The United States Postal Inspection Service, in partnership with several federal and state agencies, seized substantial quantities of illegal drugs and firearms through a coordinated operation in Puerto Rico. The operation, known as "Operation Gatekeeper 3.0," targeted suspect parcels mailed from San Juan to various locations in the continental U.S. from March 10 to March 20, 2025.
The collaborative effort between the Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau resulted in the confiscation of 577 pounds of cocaine, 14 pounds of fentanyl, and three firearms.
"We commend the outstanding efforts and collaboration between the federal and state law enforcement agencies responsible for the successful seizure of contraband in this case," stated W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. "We will continue our efforts to eradicate drug trafficking and violent crime in our communities."
Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale emphasized the commitment of the Postal Inspection Service in thwarting criminal activities within the mail system. "The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to preventing drug and arms traffickers from using the U.S. Mail in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as an access point for all of America," he said. Barksdale affirmed that efforts would persist to secure the border and prevent the use of the mail stream for criminal activities.
As a result of "Operation Gatekeeper 3.0," authorities gathered crucial evidence pertinent to ongoing investigations and identified new targets for future operations under the national initiative "Operation Take Back America." This initiative aims to combat illegal immigration, dismantle cartels, and protect communities from violent crime.
