DEA, ICE, PRPD Arrests 3 And Seize Nearly 560 Kilograms Cocaine
Street Value of Seized Cocaine Estimated at $13 Million
FAJARDO, P.R. - Drug Enforcement (DEA) special agents, U.S. Immigration and Customs (ICE), Homeland Security (HSI) special agents and Puerto Rico Police (PRPD) officers stopped "The Islander," a ferry boat carrying vehicles from neighboring island Vieques, for a routine inspection. That inspection led to the seizure of nearly 560 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of nearly $13 million.
In this particular seizure, agents and officers seized 32.9 kilograms of cocaine and a loaded pistol from a Dodge Durango onboard the boat. They immediately arrested two individuals who were with the vehicle. At that point, a white van attempted to avoid inspection by taking off at a high speed. After a hot pursuit, law enforcement officers arrested the drivers of that vehicle and seized an additional 525 kilograms of cocaine.
The defendants will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico. If convicted, the defendants could face up to life in prison. Indictments and criminal complaints contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty. The investigation continues.
