COAST GUARD SEIZES $5.5 MILLION IN COCAINE, INTERCEPTS 66 MIGRANTS OFF PUERTO RICO

Two maritime operations result in major drug seizure, migrant repatriations and three individuals remaining in federal custody

Oct.19th, 2026

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The U.S. Coast Guard has reported two separate maritime law enforcement operations near Puerto Rico, resulting in the seizure of nearly half a million dollars’ worth of illegal narcotics? No — officials estimate the cocaine seized in the first operation alone has a wholesale value of $5.5 million, while a second operation led to the interception of 66 migrants traveling aboard an overcrowded vessel in the Mona Passage.

The operations underscore the continuing challenges facing federal authorities as they work to prevent drug trafficking and unlawful maritime migration throughout the Caribbean region.

$5.5 Million Cocaine Seizure

--------------------

The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Winslow Griesser offloaded approximately 489 pounds of cocaine and transferred three suspects to Homeland Security Task Force San Juan authorities at Coast Guard Base San Juan on Monday.

The seizure followed the interdiction of a suspected high-speed smuggling vessel in Atlantic Ocean waters off Puerto Rico on October 10, 2026.

The three men taken into custody include two Dominican Republic nationals and one Chinese national. Federal authorities are conducting further investigations.

According to the Coast Guard, the operation began when an HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft from Coast Guard Air Station Miami detected a suspicious vessel in Atlantic waters north of Isabela, Puerto Rico.

Watchstanders at Sector San Juan redirected the Winslow Griesser to intercept the vessel. Once on the scene, the cutter's crew stopped the boat, seized the suspected cocaine and brought the three men aboard.

Cmdr. Matthew Romano, chief of response at Sector San Juan, praised the personnel involved, emphasizing the importance of coordinated air and maritime operations in disrupting narcotics trafficking networks.

The Coast Guard said the interdiction reflects ongoing efforts to prevent dangerous drugs from reaching communities and to disrupt criminal organizations operating throughout the region.

66 Migrants Intercepted in Mona Passage

-------------------------

In a separate operation, the Winslow Griesser crew repatriated 63 of 66 migrants to two Dominican Republic Navy vessels on Saturday after intercepting an unlawful migration voyage in Mona Passage waters on Friday.

Three individuals remained in federal custody for further investigation and possible charges related to attempted illegal reentry into the United States under federal law, 8 U.S.C. § 1326.

The operation began when a Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft detected a dangerously overcrowded, approximately 30-foot makeshift vessel about 70 nautical miles northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

Recognizing the potential danger to those aboard, Coast Guard watchstanders diverted the Winslow Griesser to the scene and directed an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Borinquen to provide aerial support.

The cutter's crew safely embarked all 66 migrants from the vessel.

Authorities reported that 59 individuals claimed to be Dominican Republic nationals, including 55 men and four women. The remaining seven claimed to be Haitian nationals, comprising six men and one woman.

After the interception, 63 migrants were transferred to Dominican Republic Navy vessels for repatriation. The remaining three were retained in federal custody.

Regional Security Remains a Priority

-----------------

The two operations highlight the Coast Guard's continuing role in maritime security around Puerto Rico and the wider Caribbean, where federal authorities conduct patrols to counter drug smuggling and dangerous unauthorized migration voyages.

The Atlantic waters north of Puerto Rico and the Mona Passage are important maritime routes connecting the Caribbean with the wider Atlantic region. Interdictions in these waters can involve coordination among Coast Guard aircraft, cutters, federal investigative agencies and regional maritime partners