Caribbean law enforcement agents captured three Venezuelan citizens during a maritime drug operation on July 12. The suspects attempted to transport over 1,000 pounds of cocaine through waters near Puerto Rico. Border protection officers detected the vessel approximately six nautical miles from Maunabo's southeastern coastline. Air and Marine Operations surveillance teams tracked the suspicious boat as it traveled northward through Caribbean waters. Agents launched interceptor vessels from Fajardo to pursue the smugglers.
The criminals operated a yola-style boat typically used for illegal trafficking activities. They refused orders to halt and reached Playa Mario beach in Maunabo before authorities apprehended them. Officers discovered sixteen cocaine packages weighing 1,009 pounds with an estimated value of 8.2 million dollars. The Venezuelan nationals lacked proper documentation for United States entry. Drug Enforcement Administration officials received custody of both suspects and contraband for prosecution proceedings.
The criminals operated a yola-style boat typically used for illegal trafficking activities. They refused orders to halt and reached Playa Mario beach in Maunabo before authorities apprehended them. Officers discovered sixteen cocaine packages weighing 1,009 pounds with an estimated value of 8.2 million dollars. The Venezuelan nationals lacked proper documentation for United States entry. Drug Enforcement Administration officials received custody of both suspects and contraband for prosecution proceedings.
