The U.S. Coast Guard discovered a stowaway carrying over 500 pounds of cocaine and a firearm on a barge located off the coast of Puerto Rico. This incident marks the second significant drug-related arrest in the same harbor this year.
Coast Guard crews from two cutters collaborated with a Homeland Security task force to board the Crimson Clover barge in San Juan Harbor. Upon boarding, officials found the stowaway with nine bales of cocaine weighing around 237.75 kilograms, equivalent to about 524 pounds.
The Coast Guard Cutter Isaac Mayo later transferred the suspect, the weapon, and the cocaine, valued at approximately $4.8 million, to law enforcement at Coast Guard Base San Juan. The authorities have not released the identity of the suspect.
Images released by the Coast Guard showcase the barge, the drugs, and officers loading the bales onto the shore. “A collective pool of experience and available assets led to a safe boarding and discovery of cocaine aboard the barge,” stated Lt. Cmdr. Ross Markham. This operation aids in deterring smuggling organizations from using commercial vessels for human and drug trafficking in the area.
This arrest is part of heightened U.S. efforts to combat drug trafficking and human smuggling in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. U.S. actions include regular Coast Guard interceptions and a military campaign targeting drug-running boats, resulting in over 200 fatalities.
In a related incident in February, another stowaway was apprehended with 789 pounds of cocaine in Puerto Rican waters. The suspect and 10 bales of drugs were recovered. Subsequently, cocaine with an estimated street worth of $12 million was seized from a vessel off the island’s north coast.
“This operation ensures the security of our maritime borders and disrupts illicit trafficking efforts,” the U.S. Coast Guard said.
The U.S. continues to enhance border security in collaboration with partners to prevent illegal activities.
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