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Coast Guard Seizes $34 Million In Cocaine, Marijuana Near Puerto Rico

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (CBSMiami) -- Nearly 4,500 lbs of narcotics were offloaded by the U.S. Coast Guard at Sector San Juan following two separate smuggling attempts in the Caribbean Sea.

The seizure took place August 25th just north of Puerto Rico.

Seven suspected smugglers were taken into custody, found carrying a combined 2,367 lbs of cocaine and 2,074 lbs of marijuana.

The seized contraband was estimated to have a wholesale value of $33.9 million.

The disruptions and seizures were the result of ongoing multi-agency law enforcement efforts in support of Operation Unified Resolve, Operation Caribbean Guard and the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force CCSF Initiative.

"The new Fast Response Cutters are delivering exceptional positive results by allowing us to effectively interdict drug smuggling vessels deeper into the Caribbean," said Capt. Robert Warren, Sector San Juan commander. "The strong cooperation and partnerships between our international, federal and local law enforcement partners in the Caribbean are vital to the region's security, as our collective efforts seek to prevent these drug shipments from reaching our shores and bring those responsible to justice. It's a team effort, and it's making a difference."

The contraband shipments and detainees were transported by the Coast Guard to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where they were transferred to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration for further processing and investigation.

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