HSI seizes $3 million worth of cocaine in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents seized Wednesday 125 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of approximately $3 million at a residence in Villa Rica, Bayamon.

During the execution of a search warrant issued by U.S. Magistrate Judge Marcos Lopez against the residence in Bayamon, HSI special agents discovered 125 kilograms of cocaine in the unoccupied home. The warrant was executed as part of an ongoing federal investigation into drug trafficking.

There were no arrests linked to the seizure; however, the HSI investigation continues.

HSI San Juan investigates narcotics smuggling organizations and the methods utilized to smuggle contraband across the Caribbean Basin. Smuggling methods include the use of high-speed vessels, cargo containers, aircraft, commercial trucking, commercial vessel and human carriers. HSI agents have extensive knowledge of the border environment and techniques employed by smuggling organizations to transport contraband into the United States. This expertise has been gained through years of experience in conducting undercover operations, utilizing confidential informants, special enforcement operations and conducting contraband smuggling investigations.

The methods used by smuggling organizations are always changing and through continued training and the use of emerging technologies, HSI has maintained its expertise in disrupting and dismantling these criminal organizations.

So far this fiscal year, HSI San Juan has seized more than 16,000 pounds of narcotics. The HSI San Juan area of responsibility covers Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.