US agents seize cocaine worth US$1.12M on boat from Dominican Republic

San Juan, Puerto Rico — San Juan Office of Field Operations – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized Friday 95 pounds (43.2 kilos) of cocaine inside a container at San Juan seaport.

During the inspection of containers arriving on board the maritime vessel M/V Conti Elektra arriving from the Dominican Republic, a container was selected for secondary scrutiny. Inside CBP officers found two duffle bags, which contained 41 bricks that later tested positive for cocaine.

“Smuggling organizations try to conceal their loads by any means possible and use many venues to avoid detection from law enforcement,” stated Juan Hurtado, San Juan area port director. “Our officers remain vigilant managing all risk factors to deter these smuggling attempts.”

The estimated value of the seized cocaine is US$1.12 million

CBP Officers contacted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents, who responded and took custody of the seized narcotics. The HSI investigation is ongoing.