A joint US law enforcement operation has resulted in the seizure of a large cache of cocaine in Atlantic Ocean waters just north of Puerto Rico.

The interdiction occurred on January 14, 2026, when authorities intercepted a suspected drug-smuggling vessel and seized 16 bales of cocaine weighing a combined 506 kilogrammes (1,115.54 pounds), with an estimated wholesale value of more than US$7 million. 

Three men were apprehended during the operation.

According to the US Coast Guard, the interdiction was carried out by a Coast Guard Station San Juan boat crew working alongside partner agencies under the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) – San Juan Region.

The operation began during routine patrols when a Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew detected a suspicious 25-foot blue and white panga-type go-fast vessel in international waters north of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. 

Sector San Juan watchstanders subsequently diverted the Coast Guard cutter Joseph Tezanos and a Station San Juan 45-foot Response Boat–Medium to interdict the suspect vessel.

A US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations multi-role enforcement aircraft also responded and maintained aerial surveillance. Once on scene, the Station San Juan boat crew, with support from the CBP aircrew and the Joseph Tezanos, successfully interdicted the vessel and took positive control.

Following the interdiction, Coast Guard personnel embarked the three suspected smugglers and recovered 16 bales of contraband from the vessel. 

The seized packages later tested positive for cocaine. 

The suspects and contraband were subsequently transferred to Homeland Security Task Force law enforcement partners in San Juan.

“This successful narcotics interdiction highlights the efficient interoperability and strength within the Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection Caribbean Air and Marine Branch and our Homeland Security Task Force partner agencies to interdict drug smuggling vessels and secure the nation’s Eastern Caribbean maritime borders from this threat,” said Cmdr Matthew Romano, chief of response at Coast Guard Sector San Juan.

He commended the professionalism and coordination of all agencies involved, noting their continued efforts to combat illicit trafficking throughout the waters of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.