Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jul 10: US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have intercepted a shipment containing more than $1.5 million worth of cocaine concealed inside audio equipment that was being transported from the Dominican Republic to Delhi, officials announced.
According to a CBP statement, officers discovered 22.35 kilograms (around 49 pounds) of cocaine hydrochloride during an inspection of an air cargo consignment at a warehouse near Miami International Airport on June 17.
The shipment had originated in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and was destined for Delhi. Customs documents listed the cargo simply as "Music Equipment."
The seizure was made under Operation Striker Shield, a CBP enforcement initiative targeting large commercial shipments that could potentially be used by drug trafficking networks during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
During a detailed examination, officers uncovered eight pouches and four brick-shaped packages containing a white powder concealed inside four speakers and two amplifiers. Preliminary field testing confirmed that the substance was cocaine hydrochloride.
Authorities estimated the street value of the seized narcotics at approximately $1.5 million.
Daniel Alonso, Director of Field Operations for CBP's Miami and Tampa Field Office, said the operation demonstrates the agency's efforts to disrupt international drug trafficking networks attempting to misuse legitimate trade channels.
He said the combination of intelligence-driven enforcement, advanced cargo screening techniques and the experience of CBP personnel continues to play a crucial role in detecting and intercepting narcotics shipments before they reach their intended destinations.
Following the seizure, the entire consignment was confiscated, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) launched a probe into the shipment to determine those responsible, including its source and intended recipients.
Authorities have not released the identities of the sender or the intended recipient in India. They also did not indicate whether any arrests have been made in connection with the attempted smuggling.
Operation Striker Shield has been launched to identify and intercept high-risk cargo shipments that could be exploited by transnational drug trafficking organisations during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.