June 28, 2011
Contact: SA Waldo Santiago
Caribbean Division
(787) 277-4700

A total of 532 kilos of cocaine and 6 kilos of marijuana were seized at a residence pursuant to the execution of a federal search warrant.

ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Office Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Virgin Islands Police Department seized on Monday 532 kilograms of cocaine with an approximate street value of $16 million from a St. Thomas residence. The seizure was the result of the combined efforts of the agencies assigned to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) in St. Thomas, V.I.

In addition to the multi-kilogram amount of cocaine, HIDTA agents seized six kilograms of marijuana and two automatic pistols.

Although there were no arrests at the time of the seizure, the HIDTA investigation continues.

The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force initiative brings law enforcement agency partners together to combat drug-trafficking crimes in designated areas around the country that have a high concentration of narcotic distribution, transportation, smuggling and other drug-related activities. HIDTA was established in 1994 and is responsible for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.