Customs and Border Protection officers discovered more than $16 million worth of cocaine in a tiny, two-person boat that was found abandoned on a beach in Puerto Rico, according to an agency statement issued Thursday.
Border agents, along with a group of Puerto Rican police, stumbled upon a “yola” vessel on the island’s southern coast of Guanica on Wednesday. Approximately 1,198 pounds of cocaine was stuffed inside 16 bales on the boat. Officials said the cocaine has a street value in the U.S. of $16.2 million, making it one of CBP’s larger busts this year.
Puerto Rican law enforcement contacted CBP’s Air and Marine Operations and Border Patrol early Wednesday about a vessel that was beached on the shore.
The substance was seized by Border Patrol and later tested positive for cocaine. Responding officers also took custody of two outboard engines, two GPS devices and fuel.
