U.S. Coast Guard and partners seized 1,115+ lbs of cocaine and arrested three suspected smugglers during an interdiction north of Puerto Rico
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (CBS12) — The U.S. Coast Guard and federal law enforcement partners seized more than half a ton of cocaine during the interdiction of a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in Atlantic Ocean waters north of Puerto Rico earlier this month.
A Coast Guard Station San Juan boat crew, working with Homeland Security Task Force–San Juan Region partner agencies, intercepted the vessel on Jan. 14, 2026. Three men were taken into custody during the operation.
Authorities recovered 16 bales of cocaine weighing approximately 1,115 pounds, with an estimated wholesale value exceeding $7 million, according to the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard and law enforcement agents seized 16 bales of cocaine weighing a combined total of 1,115.54 pounds, which are estimated to have a wholesale value of more than $7 million.
The interdiction began when a Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft detected a suspicious 25-foot blue-and-white “go-fast” panga-style vessel operating in international waters north of Vega Baja. The Coast Guard cutter Joseph Tezanos and another boat were sent to intercept the vessel. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations aircraft also responded, providing aerial surveillance throughout the pursuit.
With support from the cutter and CBP aircrew, the Station San Juan boat crew successfully stopped the vessel and took control of it. Law enforcement personnel recovered the 16 bales of contraband, which later tested positive for cocaine, and detained the three suspected smugglers.
The suspects and seized drugs were transferred to Homeland Security Task Force partners in San Juan for further investigation and prosecution.
“This successful narcotics interdiction highlights the efficient interoperability and strength within the Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection Caribbean Air and Marine Branch, and our Homeland Security Task Force partner agencies,” said Cmdr. Matthew Romano, chief of response for Coast Guard Sector San Juan. “We are proud to stand the watch alongside our Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, and local law enforcement partners as we continue to relentlessly combat illicit trafficking throughout the waters of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
Reports are sourced from official documents, law-enforcement updates, and credible investigations.
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