Coast Guard Disrupts Major Drug Trafficking Operation

The U.S. Coast Guard worked with partners from the Homeland Security Task Force – San Juan Region to disrupt a drug trafficking go-fast vessel. They also seized 29 bales of cocaine in the Atlantic Ocean north of Puerto Rico this week.

The seized contraband weighed a combined 2,083 pounds worth an estimated $13.3 million. Homeland Security Investigations is leading the investigation into the case.

The air crew of a Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft sighted a panga-style go-fast vessel. The vessel was carrying multiple bales and fuel containers. It was approximately 100 nautical miles north of Camuy, Puerto Rico.

Sector San Juan Command Center diverted Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier to interdict the suspect vessel and coordinated with Homeland Security Task Force.

As the cutter Joseph Napier approached, the suspected smugglers began evasive maneuvers before jettisoning their cargo overboard and fleeing. The crew of the Joseph Napier recovered 29 bales from the water, which later tested positive for cocaine.

U.S. Border Patrol agents subsequently located the abandoned go-fast vessel ashore near Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The seized drugs were transferred to Homeland Security Investigations agents in San Juan.

“Fantastic work by the Joseph Napier, Air Station Borinquen and Air Station Miami crews for their efforts sighting and pursuing the suspect vessel and subsequently locating the 29 jettisoned bales of cocaine,” said Lt. John Groen, commanding officer of Joseph Napier. “If you are thinking about smuggling drugs to Puerto Rico, think again; the Coast Guard and our Homeland Security Task Force partners will use all available resources to find you and stop you.”

“This successful interdiction and seizure are a testament to the outstanding teamwork and coordination among the Homeland Security Task Force San Juan partners,” said Yariel Ramos, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations San Juan.”

“Our joint efforts with the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Border Patrol demonstrate our unwavering commitment to protecting our borders and disrupting the flow of illicit drugs into Puerto Rico and the United States. We will continue to leverage our combined resources and expertise to safeguard our communities and hold criminal organizations accountable wherever they are.”

“Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise the United States’ Caribbean border and serve as critical entry points into our country,” said Roberto Vaquero, CBP Director of Field Operations for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. “Our location places us on the front line of defense against maritime and aerial threats. CBP’s presence here is vital to protecting the United States’ Caribbean border. Through teamwork, technology, and dedication, we keep our communities safe and support a secure and prosperous future for all. This operation highlights the importance of our partnerships and our commitment to stopping drug smuggling and securing our borders.”

The Coast Guard is part of a whole-of-government approach. It aims to protect our maritime approaches in the Eastern Caribbean. It also works to secure our nation’s borders by interdicting drug smuggling activities at sea. Additionally, it dismantles foreign terrorist organizations and transnational criminal organizations. This includes narco-trafficking and human smuggling operations.

Homeland Security Task Force Saves Children, Eliminates Cartels

This counterdrug interdiction is part of the Homeland Security Task Force HSTF initiative established by Executive Order 14519. Protecting American People Against Invasion.  The HSTF is a whole of government partnership. It is dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels and foreign gangs. It also targets transnational criminal organizations. Additionally, it focuses on human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. 

Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement. They focus on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations. These organizations have long fueled violence and instability within our borders.

In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. 