World News
U.S. Coast Guard seizes $54 million worth of cocaine off Puerto Rico and arrests five
Federal authorities intercepted a vessel carrying over 7,000 pounds of cocaine approximately 50 miles off the island's coast.
The short version
- The U.S. Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection intercepted a suspected smuggling vessel nearly 50 miles off the coast of Puerto Rico on August 22.
- Authorities seized approximately 7,250 pounds of cocaine valued at an estimated $54.5 million and detained five individuals aboard.
- The vessel was destroyed by the Coast Guard after being deemed a navigation hazard, while formal criminal charges remain pending.
Key facts
- The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon, working alongside Customs and Border Protection air and marine units, intercepted a suspected drug smuggling boat nearly 50 miles off Puerto Rico on August 22.[Fox News]
- Authorities seized an estimated 7,250 pounds of cocaine valued at approximately $54.5 million.[Fox News]
- Five individuals aboard the vessel were taken into custody.[Fox News]
- The Coast Guard destroyed the interdicted boat because officials determined it posed a hazard to navigation.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- The official charges against the five detained individuals have not yet been announced.[Fox News]