Puerto Rico — The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations intercepted a suspected drug-smuggling vessel carrying approximately 7,250 pounds of cocaine valued at $54.5 million.
The interdiction occurred August 22 approximately 50 miles south of Puerto Rico.
According to the Coast Guard, the crew of USCGC Richard Dixon (WPC 1113), working alongside CBP Air and Marine Operations, intercepted a 30-foot go-fast vessel carrying 25 bales of cocaine.
Five suspected narco-terrorists were aboard the vessel and were detained pending investigation.
Authorities said the vessel was later destroyed because it posed a hazard to navigation.
The Coast Guard credited coordination between its crews and CBP for the interdiction as the agencies continue maritime operations in the Caribbean.
