US seizes $43M worth of cocaine near Puerto Rico; 3 suspects sought

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – U.S. authorities in Puerto Rico have seized $43 million worth of cocaine off the island's southeast coast.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Friday that more than 3,370 pounds (1,529 kilograms) of cocaine were found aboard a wooden boat traveling toward the coastal town of Patillas. Authorities said three people aboard the boat fled into the brush late Wednesday and were not found.

The announcement comes two days after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said officials seized 1.7 metric tons (3,700 pounds) of cocaine off Puerto Rico's north coast. The cocaine had an estimated street value of $50 million.