Coast Guard Finds Cocaine and Firearm on Barge Near Puerto Rico

The U.S. Coast Guard discovered a stowaway carrying more than 500 pounds of cocaine and a firearm on a barge near Puerto Rico, officials announced Thursday. This marks the second significant drug-related capture in the same harbor this year.

Crews from two Coast Guard Cutters collaborated with a Homeland Security task force. They boarded the Crimson Clover barge in San Juan Harbor on Tuesday, according to a news release. During their search, they detained a stowaway with a gun and nine bales of cocaine. The drugs weighed around 237.75 kilograms, or 524 pounds. Estimated street value of the cocaine is $4.8 million.

Following the operation, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Isaac Mayo, along with other law enforcement, took custody of the suspect, the firearm, and the drugs at Coast Guard Base San Juan. As of now, the identity of the suspect remains undisclosed.

The Coast Guard released images showing the barge, the confiscated cocaine, and officers moving the bales to shore. Lt. Cmdr. Ross Markham stated, “A collective pool of experience and available assets led to a safe boarding and a discovery of cocaine aboard the barge.” He emphasized that such operations deter smuggling organizations from using commercial vessels for trafficking activities in the area.

These efforts are part of increased U.S. operations targeting drug and human trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. Apart from regular maritime interceptions, the U.S. government is conducting military actions against suspected drug-trafficking boats, resulting in numerous fatalities.

Earlier in February, authorities arrested another stowaway in a Puerto Rican harbor who had 789 pounds of cocaine. The suspect was found in the water with 10 bales of cocaine wrapped in brown bags. The following month, authorities seized cocaine valued at $12 million from a boat off the island’s north coast.