SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (CMC) — The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says it has seized 450 pounds of cocaine concealed within a container chassis inside a ship that arrived in Puerto Rico on Tuesday from the Dominican Republic.

It said that the estimated value of the illegal drug is US$4 million.

“The significant seizure of 450 pounds of cocaine by our dedicated CBP officers in San Juan underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting our borders and keeping our communities safe,” said Roberto Vaquero, director of field operations in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

“This finding demonstrates the relentless efforts of our team to intercept and dismantle drug trafficking networks that threaten the security of our nation. We will continue to work tirelessly, utilising all available resources and intelligence, to combat illicit activities and safeguard the wellbeing of our citizens.”

CBP said that on Tuesday the San Juan A-TCET Vessel Search Team boarded the vessel  for a walk-through inspection and officers found “anomalies within the chassis of a container scheduled for unlading”.

With a more intrusive inspection, CBP said the officers found 183 bricks composed of a white powdery substance that tested positive to the properties of cocaine.