Puerto Rico to activate National Guard to prevent drug, weapons smuggling

Jan. 2, 2013 - Puerto Rico's newly sworn-in Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla delivers his inaugural speech in San Juan. (AP)

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Puerto Rico's new governor is calling out the National Guard to help prevent drug and weapons smuggling.

Alejandro Garcia Padilla says soldiers will be stationed in ports and airports across the U.S. territory to help bolster security.

National Guard spokesman Maj. Paul Dahlen said Friday that he did not immediately know many soldiers will be involved or when they will be activated.

The executive order issued Thursday was Garcia's first as governor.

The National Guard was last activated in February 2010 for one year to help Puerto Rico fight rising crime on the island of 4 million people.