February 27, 2007

ICE Agents Seize 871 Pounds of Cocaine and 270 Pounds of Heroin with a Street Value of More Than $13 Million in Multi-Agency Operation in Puerto Rico
Arrests Result in Largest Heroin Seizure in Puerto Rico's History

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - The crew of a fast boat carrying approximately 871 pounds of cocaine and 270 pounds of heroin with an estimated value of more than $13 million was brought to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) base here today where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agents participating in the Caribbean Corridor Initiative arrested the six-member crew and seized the contraband.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Northland Hitron, assisted by a USCG law enforcement detachment onboard the Dutch naval vessel Zuiderkruis, intercepted a fast boat 92 miles north of Venezuela when it was ordered to stop and its crew failed to heave. A required inspection of the boat revealed 14 bales of cocaine and four bales of heroin with an approximate weight of 871 pounds and 270 pounds respectively.

Upon the arrival of the Northland Hitron to the U.S. Coast Guard base in San Juan, federal officials arrested the Colombians Oscar Zambrano Mesa, 57, and Javier Antonio Michel, 44. The Venezuelans Pedro Zapata Beltran, 59, Michel Gabriel Ramirez, 22, and Jose Ramirez Fonseca, 24, along with a citizen of the Dominican Republic, Francisco Nueci Pena, 38, were also arrested. All are in U.S. Marshals custody awaiting the outcome of their criminal case.

"ICE and the other participating agencies in the Caribbean Corridor Initiative will continue using all our resources in the most efficient and intelligent way to stop the transshipment of drugs and other contraband in the Caribbean Basin," said Manuel Oyola Torres, special agent in charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in San Juan, Puerto Rico. "We will continue dismantling drug trafficking organizations and will not rest until we bring these unscrupulous people to justice."

The public is reminded that a criminal complaint or indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

-- ICE --

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was established in March 2003 as the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE is comprised of five integrated divisions that form a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities.

  Last Modified: