Superintendent: fall in cocaine prices signals more drugs entering Puerto Rico
The police chief warns that a reduction in military presence in the Caribbean coincides with a surge in drug flows and an increase in murders.
Cocaine price falls signal alert for Puerto Rico Police
Police superintendent Joseph González warned that cocaine prices on the streets of Puerto Rico have begun to fall again, which according to him indicates an increase in the flow of drugs to the island. The observation, reported by metro.pr in an interview with the programme Punto por Punto, links this phenomenon to a reduction in United States military presence in the Caribbean.
González explained that law enforcement agencies use the price of illegal substances as an indicator of availability in the local market. According to his account, at the beginning of last year a kilogramme of cocaine in Puerto Rico could be obtained for between $8,000 and $9,000. Following federal interventions in Caribbean waters—including action against vessels linked to drug trafficking—the price rose to $14,000 or $15,000.
"We have seen once again that prices are falling, indicating that more drugs are entering Puerto Rico," the official stated.
Murders on the rise so far this year
The superintendent acknowledged that, whilst 2025 closed with the lowest homicide figure in decades, the trend has reversed so far this year. At the time of the interview, Puerto Rico had accumulated 26 more murders than on the same date the previous year.
González attributed between 50 and 60 per cent of these crimes to drug trafficking, and noted that an additional percentage corresponds to revenge and conflicts between criminal organisations linked to drug trafficking.
Operations and results in the first five months
The Puerto Rico Police has executed more than 600 search warrants during the first five months of the year, according to González. In the same period, the agency seized nearly 10,000 kilogrammes of controlled substances, confiscated more than 1,000 illegal firearms and recovered approximately 70,000 rounds of ammunition.
The official indicated that specialised divisions have been reinforced in regions with the highest levels of violence, particularly San Juan, Carolina and Bayamón.
Loíza, focus of attention following triple murder and death of minor
González also addressed the recent wave of violence in Loíza, which included a triple murder in a business in the municipality and the death of a minor wounded in a shooting. He clarified that both incidents are not directly related to drug trafficking, but he did point to a dispute between criminal groups for control of drug distribution points in the area.
"There is something occurring in that area where different gangs and organisations are fighting for control of the drug points," he stated.
In response, the Police assigned additional resources to Loíza, including personnel from motorised units, tactical operations and specialised divisions.
Appeal to witnesses
Regarding the case of the murdered minor, González made a direct appeal to the public to cooperate with the authorities. "The intelligence we have also indicates that there are many people who know those responsible," he said.
The superintendent emphasised that the cooperation of witnesses and residents continues to be a fundamental element for clearing up cases and stemming violence associated with drug trafficking on the island.
Source: Google News PR — Crime