Coast Guard, federal partner agencies participate in Multi Agency Strike Force operation in San Juan Harbor

San Juan, Puerto Rico – A team of Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection personnel, check the contents of a container for any undeclared hazardous goods, contraband or anomalies at the Seastar Marine Terminal Friday in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The inspection was part of a multi agency strike force operation at San Juan harbor. (U.S. Coast Guard photo).

San Juan, PR. - Coast Guard Sector San Juan concluded a multi agency strike force operation (MASFO) at the Seastar Marine Terminal Friday in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The multi-agency strike force successfully screened a total of 200 containers with a Customs and Border Protection VACIS X-Ray machine, and they physically inspected 80 other containers and portable tanks, including multiple hazardous material containers.

During the MASFO no illegal drugs, contraband shipments or placarding irregularities were detected.

The primary objective of the MASFO was to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations pertaining to the safe shipment of cargo. The MASFO was comprised of two teams strategically located throughout the port. Leveraging the jurisdictional authorities of each agency, the inter-agency teams thoroughly inspected freight containers and portable tanks ensuring compliance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code as well as U.S. Regulations.

"The MASFO was a great example of the interagency cooperation.” said Cmdr. David Berliner, Coast Guard Sector San Juan chief of prevention. “The timely and comprehensive inspections were aligned with the shared mutual objective of facilitating the safe and timely flow of commerce through the maritime and highway modes of transportation.”

The initiative combined the capabilities of numerous agencies including Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel.

For more detailed information regarding the MASFO, please contact Chief Petty Officer Jamie Thomson at (787) 289-2066.

###

Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.