Coast Guard Intercepts 200 Pounds of Cocaine Worth $3 Million Off Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN — The U.S. Coast Guard and Puerto Rican police stopped a speed boat Tuesday night smuggling 200 pounds of cocaine authorities say is worth about $3 million.

The speed boat was first seen by the crew of a Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry plane based in Miami.

It was heading south about 20 nautical miles of Isabela, Puerto Rico. The cutter Margaret Norvell was in the area and launched one of its patrol boats to intercept the vessel.

“Tonight’s success was a total team effort,” said Lt. Carl Luxhoj, Air Station Borinquen MH-65 helicopter pilot. “The combined air support from both the fixed wing and rotary wing aircrews made the surface intercept of the suspect vessel possible. The recovery of evidence would not have been possible without the support of the Puerto Rico Police Department (FURA). The outstanding coordination from all involved prevented illegal migrants and contraband from reaching American soil.”

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