The Brief
- Federal prosecutors said law enforcement seized cocaine worth $17 million off the coast of Costa Rica.
- Three Mexican nationals have been extradited to Wisconsin, where they face trafficking charges.
- The DEA and FBI Milwaukee field offices were among the investigating agencies.
MILWAUKEE – Nearly $17 million worth of cocaine was seized in a federal drug case that’s being prosecuted in Wisconsin’s Eastern District, officials announced Tuesday.
Cocaine found on boat
By the numbers:
Federal prosecutors said Costa Rican authorities stopped a U.S.-flagged vessel near Quepos, on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Those authorities found and seized 840 kilograms – roughly 1,850 pounds – of cocaine concealed on the boat and arrested the crew.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel said the cocaine has a street value of $20,000 per kilogram – roughly $16.8 million total for the drugs seized.
Arraigned in Milwaukee
Local perspective:…