In Miami, US Customs Intercepts 49 Pounds Of Cocaine Bound For Delhi

MIAMI, FL – US Customs and Border Protection officers in Miami have seized more than $1.5 million worth of cocaine hidden inside speakers and amplifiers in an air cargo shipment bound for Delhi, authorities said.

The shipment contained over 49 pounds of cocaine hydrochloride. It was intercepted at an air cargo warehouse near Miami International Airport on June 17, according to CBP.

The shipment originated in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and was bound for Delhi after being declared as “Music Equipment.”

CBP officers inspected the shipment as part of Operation Striker Shield, an enforcement initiative targeting large consignments that could be used for narcotics smuggling during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

During the search, officers found eight pouches and four bricks containing a white powdery substance concealed inside four speakers and two amplifiers.

Field tests confirmed the presence of cocaine hydrochloride. Authorities estimated the drugs’ street value at approximately $1.5 million.

“Operation Striker Shield, combined with the vigilance and expertise of our officers, is effectively disrupting transnational criminal organizations attempting to exploit legitimate trade routes,” said Daniel Alonso, Director of Field Operations for US Customs and Border Protection’s Miami and Tampa Field Office.

“We will continue to leverage intelligence, advanced targeting, and officer intuition to interdict these illicit shipments,” he added.

CBP officers seized the entire consignment, and special agents from Homeland Security Investigations opened an investigation into the shipment, its origin and intended destination.

Authorities did not identify the sender or intended recipient or disclose whether any arrests had been made in connection with the attempted shipment. (IANS)