Cocaine Seizure Nets 177 Kilos

RINCON, Puerto Rico - One hundred seventy-seven kilograms of cocaine and 200 grams of heroin with an estimated street value of more than $5 million were seized late last week by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents. The seizure took place after a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) patrol aircraft intercepted a vessel traveling with its navigational lights off and in route to Rincon, Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico Police Department's (PRPD's) Maritime Unit was called for support but the vessel failed to heave and continued its course to shore. The vessel's two occupants fled the scene abandoning the vessel and the contraband on the beach. The ICE investigation into this case continues. During fiscal years 2006 and 2007, ICE agents in Puerto Rico seized 3,699 and 3,216 kilograms of cocaine respectively. The street value of the contraband is approximately $207 million.