On May 14, U.S.Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations deployed a Black Hawk helicopter to assist in the interception of a 25-foot blue vessel suspected of drug smuggling off the coast of Puerto Rico.The operation involved coordinated efforts between marine units and the helicopter, which used air disabling fire to stop the boat.Agents observed three individuals on board dumping packages into the water before the vessel was surrounded.The suspects, three nationals from the Dominican Republic, were taken into custody.Authorities recovered five bales containing 391 pounds (178 kg) of cocaine from the water along with additional evidence from the boat.Caribbean Air and Marine Branch Director Christopher Hunter praised the team's coordination and commitment to disrupting smuggling networks.This incident is part of broader efforts under the Trump administration to combat narcotrafficking in the Caribbean region.

Earlier this year, President Trump declared a national emergency regarding narcotics influx, leading to increased operations including kinetic strikes on smuggling vessels.The successful interdiction highlights ongoing collaboration between federal agencies to prevent drugs from reaching U.S.communities and territories.