San Juan BEST seizes 109 kilograms of cocaine

I.C.E. News Release

February 24, 2012
San Juan, PR

San Juan BEST seizes 109 kilograms of cocaine

Seized contraband has an estimated street value of $2.4 million

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The San Juan-based, multi-agency Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST) seized 109 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $2.4 million, Thursday during an inspection of incoming containers on board a motor vessel arriving from the Dominican Republic.

The M/V Maersk Ravenna arrived at the port of San Juan from Caucedo, Dominican Republic at approximately 10 p.m. Thursday and was selected for a more thorough inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.

During the inspection of one of the containers, which was manifested as carrying aluminum profiles, BEST officers found four duffle bags with a total of 101 bricks weighing 109 kilograms of a white powdery substance that later tested positive to cocaine.

The seized contraband was transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for further investigation.

The San Juan BEST incorporates law enforcement and intelligence resources from HSI, CBP, PRPD, Coast Guard, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, San Juan Police Department, Colombian National Police, Puerto Rico Ports Authority and Puerto Rico's Department of Treasury. These resources focus their investigative, interdiction and intelligence assets towards the identification, prioritization and investigation of emerging or existing threats related to our borders.

ICE encourages the public to report suspected weapons and narcotics smuggling and related information by calling at 1-866-DHS-2ICE. For more information, visit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security.

ICE is a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities. For more information, visit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. To report suspicious activity, call 1-866-347-2423 or complete our tip form.

U.S. Dept of Homeland Security

San Juan BEST seizes 109 kilograms of cocaine