During their recent operations in the waters southeast of Puerto Rico, the US Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Donald Horsley crew seized over 1,709 pounds of cocaine.

According to the USCG, on August 26, while on patrol, the vessel intercepted a suspect non-compliant 46-foot go-fast vessel. Following a high-speed chase, the cutter crew apprehended the suspected smugglers and successfully recovered 31 bales of contraband, which had been thrown overboard during the pursuit.

Three male smugglers, all of whom were Venezuelan nationals, were detained. On August 31, the drugs and suspects were handed over to federal law enforcement authorities in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The seized cocaine is estimated to have a wholesale value of US$19 million, said USCG.

“The strong collaboration and coordination between our Coast Guard units and our partner law enforcement agencies operating in the Caribbean are instrumental in achieving continued successful outcomes like in this case,” said Captain José E Díaz, Coast Guard Sector San Juan commander.

He added, “Our shared resolve and collective efforts are critical to further strengthening the security and stability of the region, while safeguarding our citizens in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands from this threat.”