HSI, CBP seize cocaine on flight arriving from Santo Domingo

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) officers at the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, seized six kilograms of cocaine Monday from a flight arriving from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

CBP officers received information from an anonymous source in the Dominican Republic that American Eagle Flight 4861 contained narcotics. The flight departed Las Americas Airport in Santo Domingo and arrived in San Juan at approximately 9:30 p.m.

CBP officers conducted an inspection and discovered a piece of luggage that contained approximately six kilograms of cocaine. The estimated street value of the seized cocaine is $120,000.

There were no arrests in connection with the seizure; however, the HSI investigation continues.

ICE special 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, the use of emerging technologies and dedication, ICE has maintained its expertise in disrupting and dismantling these criminal organizations.