Additional Coverage:
U.S. Air and Marine Operations recently deployed a Black Hawk helicopter to intercept a suspected drug-smuggling boat off the coast of Puerto Rico, marking another significant step in the ongoing effort to combat narcotics trafficking in the Caribbean.
On May 14, authorities identified a 25-foot blue vessel carrying three individuals and visible packages. Following surveillance, the San Juan Marine Unit dispatched two law-enforcement boats to intercept the vessel, supported by the Black Hawk helicopter, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The operation resulted in the arrest of three Dominican Republic nationals and the seizure of five bales containing 391 pounds of cocaine. This helicopter-assisted interdiction underscores the U.S. government’s intensified focus on disrupting drug trafficking networks beyond the southern border.
Christopher Hunter, Director of the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch, praised the operation, stating, “Our Air and Marine Operations teams demonstrated exceptional skill and coordination. The decisive use of air disabling fire by our Black Hawk crew was crucial in stopping the vessel and preventing dangerous narcotics from entering our communities.”
Hunter emphasized the collaboration between agencies, saying, “This operation highlights our commitment to working with partners at all levels to disrupt smuggling networks and safeguard the security of the United States and its territories.”
The incident comes amid heightened efforts under the Trump administration, which declared a national emergency on January 20, 2025, citing the narcotics influx as an extraordinary threat to national security, foreign policy, and the economy.
Following this declaration, the Department of War intensified its operations, conducting nearly 20 strikes against suspected smuggling vessels in Caribbean waters near Venezuela. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reported that these actions have significantly disrupted trafficking activities.
“Some top cartel drug-traffickers in the U.S. Southern Command area have ceased operations indefinitely due to recent highly effective kinetic strikes,” Hegseth announced on social media.
During the Puerto Rico interdiction, U.S. agents chose a direct approach, surrounding the vessel rather than engaging from a distance. Infrared footage revealed the suspects tossing packages overboard as the Black Hawk and marine units closed in.
The three men surrendered peacefully and were taken into custody. A subsequent search of the boat uncovered empty containers and other unidentified packages, while the contraband thrown into the water was successfully recovered.
This latest operation reflects the ongoing strategic efforts to combat narcotics trafficking in the Caribbean and reinforces the administration’s commitment to securing U.S. borders and territories from the growing drug threat.