U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents recently made a large seizure of cocaine after intercepting a fishing vessel along the Miami River.
The incident began as CBP agents, along with one Border Patrol agent, boarded the vessel to process four crew members and their cargo as they arrived from the Bahamas.
During a routine search of the boat, the officers discovered 70 plastic wrapped bundles that contained a white powdery substance that tested positive for properties of cocaine. The combined weight of the packages was approximately 195 pounds.
“Highly trained and experienced CBP Officers work diligently using advanced inspection techniques to prevent the importation of contraband through our ports of entry on a daily basis,”Dylan J. DeFrancisci, director of the Miami Sea Port, said.
The individuals aboard were subsequently arrested and were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations agents for criminal processing. Both the narcotics and fishing vessel were seized by CBP, all of which carried an estimated value of approximately $2.2 million.
“Closing off pathways where drugs are introduced and working closely with our local, state and federal partners in South Florida are key components of our multi-layered, risk-based approach to enhance the security of our borders,” DeFrancisci said.