Trending Now - $12 Million Cocaine Seized From Smuggling Boat Near Puerto Rico

WHO:

Authorities in Puerto Rico

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

U.S. Coast Guard

Three suspects detained

WHAT:

Seized cocaine worth an estimated $12 million

Intercepted a 26-foot-long boat without identification

Found more than 1,800 pounds (820 kilograms) of cocaine on board

One of the biggest seizures in Puerto Rican waters in recent years

Previous seizure of approximately 214 pounds of cocaine on February 26th, 2026, worth about $1.7 million

Previous seizure of nearly 780 pounds of cocaine in January 2026, valued at more than $5 million

Seized almost 1,000 pounds of cocaine from a cargo trailer at the end of 2025

WHERE:

Off the north coast of Puerto Rico

Waters off the town of Río Grande

San Juan, Puerto Rico

WHEN:

Seizure occurred on March 23rd, 2026

Previous seizure on February 26th, 2026

Previous seizure in January 2026

Previous seizure at the end of 2025

WHY:

Puerto Rico has long served as a transit point for drugs being smuggled into the U.S. mainland and Europe

HOW:

Officers intercepted the boat following a pursuit

Federal authorities are taking over the case

(UPDATED March 23, 2026 17:55 UTC)

Authorities in Puerto Rico, along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Coast Guard, have detained three suspects after intercepting a 26-foot-long boat off the north coast, where they found more than 1,800 pounds of cocaine valued at an estimated $12 million. This seizure, which occurred today, marks one of the largest in recent years for Puerto Rican waters, following previous significant busts in February and January. Federal authorities are now taking over the case, as Puerto Rico continues to be a key transit point for drugs headed to the U.S. mainland and Europe.