17 September 2010, 3:54 PM

U.S. agents seize 125 kilos of cocaine shipped from Dominican port

SAN JUAN.- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers screening cargo containers on Thursday discovered 125 kilos of cocaine while performing inspectional duties on a vessel arriving from the Dominican Republic port of Caucedo, where the major drug shipments are often confiscated.

The officers noticed an anomaly on one of the containers and selected it for further inspection. Using non-intrusive devices, they examined further and based on their findings decided to open and physically inspect the contents.

When the container was opened a total of four (4) duffel bags containing brick shaped objects were found inside. A CBP canine alerted positive to the odor of narcotics. The officers discovered 108 bricks inside the bags that, when probed, tested positive for cocaine.

Maria Palmer, San Juan Area Port Director, stated: “This significant seizure is the result of the excellent performance of officers in the field, combined with the use of available technology and resources. It shows a commitment to secure our nation’s borders and to prevent contraband from entering our country.â€