CBP seizes 1,309 pounds of cocaine off southern Puerto Rico

PONCE, Puerto Rico - Air and Marine Operations, an operational component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in coordination with law enforcement partners, interdicted a vessel south of Guayanilla, Puerto Rico, resulting in the seizure of 1,309 pounds of cocaine. The estimated value of the seized contraband is $9.4 million.

On Oct. 7, Ponce Marine Operations crews located and intercepted a Yola-type vessel with three individuals on board. The vessel and its occupants were transported to the Ponce port of entry for further examination.

Field testing confirmed the seized contraband was cocaine. The three undocumented occupants are Venezuelan nationals.

"Air and Marine Operations remains committed to protecting Puerto Rico's maritime borders and disrupting transnational criminal organizations that seek to move dangerous contraband through the Caribbean," said Christopher Hunter, director of the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch. "This seizure reflects the value of coordinated maritime enforcement and the vigilance of our personnel and partner agencies."

In fiscal year 2026, Air and Marine Operations enforcement actions conducted with federal, state, local, and international law enforcement partners resulted in the seizure of more than 183,000 pounds of cocaine. Smugglers attempting to move narcotics into the United States should understand that AMO and its partners are actively monitoring the air and maritime approaches to our borders. If you attempt to smuggle dangerous drugs into this country, you will be detected, interdicted, and held accountable.

The Homeland Security Task Force will lead the investigation and prosecution.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 70,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration and trust.

• Topics
• Air and Marine Operations
• Drug Seizure
• Drug Trafficking
• Smuggling