A major drug trafficking bust in the Caribbean Sea ended with several suspects in custody and their vessel in flames, authorities say.
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) just released details about the interception, which unfolded on Friday.
USCG Cutter Richard Dixon’s crew interdicted a suspected narcotics smuggling vessel in waters about 50 miles south of Puerto Rico.
Onboard, they encountered five men who were transporting more than 7,000 pounds of cocaine with a street value of roughly $54.5 million.
The suspects were taken into custody amid an ongoing investigation.
USCG destroyed the rustic vessel and posted a photograph of it engulfed in flames.
USCG Torches Narco Vessel After $55 Million Cocaine Bust Near Puerto Rico
A major drug trafficking bust in the Caribbean Sea ended with several suspects in custody and their vessel in flames, authorities say.
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) just released details about the… pic.twitter.com/WVFoHGSjx7
— Border Hawk (@BorderHawkNews) August 27, 2026
“This interdiction shows what ready crews and strong interagency partnerships can achieve in the maritime domain,” said Coast Guard Southeast District Commander Adm. Adam Chamie.
“The Richard Dixon crew, Air Station Miami and our Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations partners stopped more than 7,000 pounds of cocaine before it could reach our communities, and we will keep taking the fight to the criminal networks that threaten our region.”
