see also: in June 2008:   CBP in New Orleans Offers Tips for International Air Travelers for Summer Season   CBP Offers Tips for International Air Travelers in Memphis for Summer Season   U.S. Customs and Border Protection to Host San Diego Hiring Event   Baltimore CBP Recovers Stolen Vehicle Being Shipped Overseas   Border Patrol Agents Seize Cocaine, Methamphetamines and Marijuana   Canada, U.S. Sign Arrangement to Align Security Standards for Cross-Border Business   CBP, Texas Strengthen Partnership to Ensure Border Security ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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San Juan, P.R. – A U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine PA-42 Customs High Endurance Tracker aircraft detected and tracked a vessel heading toward Puerto Rico from the Dominican Republic June 10 and coordinated the interception of more than 1,200 pounds of cocaine worth approximately $11 million.

The crew of a CBP Air and Marine Caribbean Air Branch surveillance aircraft coordinated with the Caribbean Border Interagency Group and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Key Largo which intercepted the vessel. U.S. Coast Guard personnel boarded the vessel and discovered 502 bricks of cocaine. One suspect was found inside and arrested.

The bricks field tested positive for cocaine. The vessel was transported into the Port of Mayaguez, P.R. A further search conducted by the crew of the Key Largo with U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents revealed that the vessel contained approximately 1,248 pounds of cocaine.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.