SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) Federal authorities have seized $34 million worth of cocaine from a speedboat near the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The U.S. Coast Guard said Wednesday that it found more than 1,100 kilograms (2,500 pounds) in the boat spotted just south of St. Croix. U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodriguez says two Puerto Ricans and one U.S. Virgin Islander aboard the boat have been charged with possession with intent to distribute.
Coast Guard Capt. Drew Pearson says it is the second major seizure in less than two weeks. Authorities recently confiscated 1,100 kilograms (2,400 pounds) near the south border of the Dominican Republic.
Pedro Janer is the acting special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's Caribbean division. He said the agency began investigating a South American drug trafficking group following the seizure.
