CBP Stops Illegal Transfer of Cash, Drugs off Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico – U.S. Customs and Border Protection marine interdiction agents stopped a vessel off the coast of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands that illegally transported $17,600 in U.S. currency.

During a routine patrol off the coast of St. Thomas, Tuesday night, CBP marine agents stopped a vessel that they encountered not using navigational lights. On board the vessel was an individual who claimed to be U.S. citizen.

As the subject searched for his identification documents in luggage, a small bag with what appeared to be drugs was dropped, prompting the agents to board and search the vessel. The search resulted in the discovery of approximately $17,600 U.S. currency and three small bags of cocaine. 

CBP marine interdiction agents boarded a boat off the coast of St. Thomas Tuesday after the vessel's operator dropped what appeared to be drugs while searching for his identificaton.

The suspect vessel was transported to the U.S. Coast Guard dock in Charlotte Amalie Harbor where a CBP canine unit assisted in the search of the vessel.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrived on location and took custody of the individual, the currency and narcotics for further examination and processing.

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.