CBP Seizes Cocaine & Weapons from Small Boat Near Puerto Rico
On June 8, 2010 US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine units intercepted a 21-foot yola type vessel approximately 10 miles off the coast of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico transporting 20 kilos of cocaine. The three detainees had a rifle and two pistols, and had weighed anchor around 35 miles from the eastern port at San Pedro de Macorís. They were identified as Argenis Bastardo Castillo, Juan Hernández Morla and Leonardo Guzmán.
A CBP aircraft detected the suspected vessel moving westward towards Puerto Rico, contacting CBP Marine units to intercept. Upon request of the CBP Marine unit, the suspected vessel failed to yield and the occupants began dumping bales of suspected narcotics overboard. The vessel yielded after the engine was disabled. A subsequent search revealed two bales of unidentified contraband on board.
The custody of three Dominican Republic nationals on-board, the vessel, and the suspected narcotics was transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation.
Category: Counter Narcotics, Crimes, News
