SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier successfully transferred 79 kilograms of cocaine and arrested nine suspects in Puerto Rico on Monday.
The seized cocaine, valued at approximately $829,000, resulted from collaborative efforts among multiple agencies, including the Coast Guard’s Western Hemisphere Strategy and the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force Initiative.
The investigation is spearheaded by federal authorities, with significant contributions from the Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies.
On the morning of August 5, 2024, Customs and Border Protection aircraft detected a suspicious vessel about 67 nautical miles north of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. A Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft provided aerial surveillance as the Cutter Joseph Napier moved in. Upon arrival, the crew witnessed the vessel’s occupants discarding packages before being intercepted. The crew recovered three bales from the jettisoned cargo that tested positive for cocaine.
The suspects, comprising eight men and one woman claiming to be Dominican Republic nationals, were brought aboard the Cutter Joseph Napier before being transferred in San Juan to federal authorities including the Coast Guard Investigative Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Cmdr. Matthew Romano, the chief of response for Sector San Juan, emphasized the importance of interagency collaboration to combat smuggling in the Mona Passage, stating, “These efforts are critical for ensuring the safety of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, as well as maintaining the security of the Caribbean region.”
DEA officials reinforced this commitment, vowing to dismantle drug trafficking networks that threaten communities and public safety. “Our dedication to justice is unwavering, and we will pursue those responsible for perpetuating crime and addiction,” a DEA representative stated.
The Coast Guard’s operations play a vital role in the continuous fight against drug trafficking in the Caribbean, coordinating efforts among various law enforcement agencies to effectively deter and disrupt illicit maritime activities targeting Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
