U.S. Customs & Border Protection Officers seized 117 pounds of cocaine concealed inside four flower boxes that arrived at the Rafael Hernandez International Airport. The estimated value of the seized cocaine is $1.3 million.  

“We regularly inspect flowers for dangerous pests.  This time we found narcotics,” said Roberto Vaquero, assistant director of field operations for border security in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. “We will remain steadfast in our commitment to secure our homeland and to help protect the health and well-being of the American public.”

On Oct. 11, a CBP K9 inspecting cargo arriving from Colombia alerted to four boxes of flowers.  CBP Officers opened the boxes finding packets with a white powdered substance that tested positive to the properties of cocaine.

U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations special agents assumed custody of the seized cocaine for further investigation.    

The Rafael Hernandez International Airport is among the top in cut-flower volume inspected by CBP within the United States.  

CBP’s mission is to safeguard America’s borders thereby protecting the public from dangerous people and materials while enhancing the Nation’s global economic competitiveness by enabling legitimate trade and travel.