Black Hawk Chase Ends Drug Boat Off Puerto Rico With More Than $5 Million Cocaine Seizure

On May 13, 2026, an Air and Marine Operations aircrew identified a target vessel northwest of Puerto Rico, a 25-foot blue Yola-type boat carrying three people and visible packages onboard.

Surveillance was maintained by the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch and CAMOC as the vessel moved toward Puerto Rico.

On May 14, the San Juan Marine Unit deployed two Coastal Interceptor Vessels, with support from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter assisting the operation.

Marine Interdiction Agents intercepted the boat north of San Juan. The suspects attempted to throw contraband overboard, but agents recovered the packages and electronic devices.

Three Dominican Republic nationals were taken into custody.

Authorities seized five bales containing 178 kilograms of cocaine, valued at more than $5 million.