HSI, CBP seize 10 pounds of heroin concealed inside table, arrest 1
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), working jointly with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP,) seized Monday 10 pounds of heroin concealed inside a decorative table found within a cargo van and arrested its driver, a resident of San Juan. The seized contraband has an estimated street value of $250,000.
Ezequiel Tineo-Alcala, 45, was arrested after CBP officers conducting vehicle inspections on board the ferry M/V Caribbean Fantasy selected his Ford cargo van for a more intrusive inspection. A K9 alerted to a decorative table inside the van which contained a residue that later tested positive for heroin.
“HSI is committed to working with our federal, state and local counterparts in an effort to stop the movement of contraband in the Caribbean,” said Angel M. Melendez, special agent in charge of HSI San Juan. “Those involved in drug trafficking should know that the Caribbean is no longer an option to transship narcotics into the United States.”
“Criminal organizations seek to use the supply chain as a means to conceal and move narcotics,” said Marcelino Borges, director of field operations for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. “Our officers remain vigilant to detect and prevent any attempts to circumvent the security measures that are in place.”
Tineo-Alcala had his initial hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Camille Velez-Rive Wednesday. He was transferred to the Guaynabo Metropolitan Detention Center awaiting the outcome of his case.
ICE encourages the public to report suspected narcotics smuggling and related information by calling 1-866-DHS-2ICE.
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