US Coast Guard nabs 14 smugglers, $22million in cocaine in Caribbean Sea

By Shanieka Smith

Staff Writer

August 21, 2022 – After three different at-sea interdictions in the Caribbean Sea, the United States Coast Guard says it has offloaded 2,425 pounds of seized cocaine.

The US Coast Guard has also revealed that 14 persons from the Dominican Republic, who were detained during the operations are now facing US federal prosecution in Puerto Rico.

The drugs seized have an estimated wholesale value of US$22 million.

After revealing this, the US Coast Guard added that these seizures are due to multi-agency efforts involving the Caribbean Border Interagency Group and the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force.

Captain José E. Díaz, commander of Coast Guard Sector San Juan said, “these successful interdictions reflect the unwavering resolve and strong partnerships between the coast guard and our Caribbean Border Interagency Group partners in stopping illicit drug trafficking on the high seas.”

“I’m proud of the professionalism and performance of the cutter Joseph Tezanos in apprehending 14 smugglers and preventing these drugs from reaching the shores and streets of Puerto Rico,” Díaz added.