CBP agents arrest five, seize narcotics aboard vessel in southeastern Puerto Rico

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents, with assistance from the Puerto Rico Police Department, intercepted a shipment of approximately 1,744 pounds of cocaine and arrested five American citizens on Wednesday along the southeastern coast of Puerto Rico.

After a call for assistance was placed by the Puerto Rico Police Department’s Joint Forces of Rapid Action, CBP agents went to inspect a suspicious vessel near the town of Patillas. After a brief search, agents uncovered 34 bundles of narcotics that tested positive for properties of cocaine. Agents subsequently arrested the five men aboard. Additionally, agents seized one firearm and three vehicles. The individuals, vehicles, firearm and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for further processing.

“Our agents remain vigilant to support our Operation Stonegarden partners in Puerto Rico,” Ramiro Cerrillo, chief patrol agent of the Ramey Sector Border Patrol, said. “Providing grant funding for their operations and sharing capabilities has immediate returns.”

The Operation Stonegarden Grant Program (OPSG) was developed to increase coordination and enhance collaborative efforts with local law enforcement agencies in securing the nation’s borders.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of the nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry.