At least 24 arrests in Puerto Rico crime ring bust with local links

Santo Domingo.- At least 24 people linked to Jose Figueroa Augusto’s "Junior Capsula” crime ring were arrested in Puerto Rico today, citing the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), reports elnuevodia.com.

It said the arrests were part of 28 warrants issued for people linked to the Puerto Rican kingpin, three of them reportedly living in the Dominican Republic.

Puerto Rico ICE director Angel Melendez said the arrests were carried out in the towns Caguas, Bayamón, Carolina, Corozal, Guaynabo, Loiza, Naranjito, San Juan, Toa Alta and Vega Baja.

He said in the Figueroa case thus far, figure around US$12 million in confiscated properties and cash, 32 people arrested and three tons of cocaine seized. "On this day we’re dealing a fatal blow to this organization arresting personnel involved in transportation and money laundering."

Figueroa, arrested in San Juan in July 2010, reportedly smuggled at least 11 tons of cocaine into Puerto Rico aboard speed boats, pleasure craft cargo ships, containers and aircraft from the Dominican Republic. He’s also accused of washing around US$100.0 million.