U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced Tuesday that its officers seized 1,024 pounds of cocaine found inside a container that had originated in the Dominican Republic and was destined for San Juan, Puerto Rico, on board the San Juan-Santo Domingo ferry.
The estimated value of the seized cocaine is $13.9 million, according to the news release.
“Transnational criminal organizations conceal drugs among a multitude of products shipped on the international supply chain,” stated Roberto Vaquero, Assistant Director of Field Operations for Border Security in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. “Our officers remain vigilant to explore all possible venues that smugglers use.”
During inbound operations of the M/V KYDON, a container was sent for an intrusive inspection. The container was opened and CBP Officers discovered twelve 12 duffle bags inside the container, five by the door and seven commingled with the commodity.
The duffle bags were wrapped in clear plastic. One of the duffle bags was opened and “brick-shaped” objects were discovered. A CBP K9 alerted to the duffel bags and a field test was positive to the properties of cocaine.
A total of 414 bricks were removed from the duffle bag.
