NewsSNN NewsOctober 24, 2026Manatee County
Coast Guard seizes 489 pounds of cocaine and detains three men near Puerto Rico
Photo: SNN News
The U.S. Coast Guard offloaded 489 pounds of cocaine valued at $5.5 million from a boat off the coast of Puerto Rico earlier this month and transferred three detained men to Homeland Security. A routine aircraft patrol spotted the small vessel, leading the Cutter Winslow Griesser to intercept it.
Read the full story at SNN NewsWhy It Matters
The removes an estimated $5.5 million in narcotics from potential distribution and shifts three suspects into federal custody involving Homeland Security.
Key Facts
- The U.S. Coast Guard seized approximately 489 pounds of cocaine from a small 'go-fast' vessel off the coast of Puerto Rico.
- The seized cocaine has an estimated street value of $5.5 million.
- Three men on board the boat were detained, consisting of two Dominican Republic nationals and one Chinese national.
- A USCG Miami aircraft first spotted the vessel on routine patrol and diverted the Cutter Winslow Griesser to intercept it.
- The three detained men were transferred into the custody of Homeland Security in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationHomeland Security“Federal agency that received custody of the detained men”OrganizationSector San Juan“Coast Guard sector”OrganizationCutter Winslow Griesser“Coast Guard cutter that intercepted the vessel”locationSan Juan, Puerto Rico“Location where suspects were transferred”locationTAMPA“Dateline city for the news report”locationPuerto Rico“Location near where the boat was intercepted”OrganizationUSCG Miami“Aviation unit that spotted the vessel”locationDominican Republic“Country of origin for two detained nationals”OrganizationWFLA“News organization reporting the story”locationFla.“State where WFLA is located”PersonCmdr. Matthew Romano“Sector San Juan chief response who commented on the interdiction”OrganizationU.S. Coast Guard“Federal maritime law enforcement agency that intercepted the boat”