In a coordinated effort to curb the trafficking of illegal substances and weapons, the United States Postal Inspection Service has reported the interception and seizure of significant contraband. The operation resulted in the seizure of 577 pounds of cocaine, 14 pounds of fentanyl, and three firearms. This was accomplished through a joint operation conducted with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.
The operation, dubbed “Operation Gatekeeper 3.0,” took place from March 10 to March 20, 2025. It targeted suspect parcels mailed from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to various locations across the continental United States.
United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, W. Stephen Muldrow, praised the collective efforts of the agencies involved, stating, “We commend the outstanding efforts and collaboration between the federal and state law enforcement agencies responsible for the successful seizure of contraband in this case. We will continue our efforts to eradicate drug trafficking and violent crime in our communities.”
Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale emphasized the commitment to intercepting illegal activities facilitated through the U.S. Mail system, particularly in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He stated, “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to preventing drug and arms traffickers from using the U.S. Mail in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as an access point for all of America. The Postal Inspection Service will continue our work to secure this border and prevent the mail stream from being used to further criminal activity and enrich transnational criminal organizations.”
The operation yielded evidence for several ongoing investigations and helped identify new targets for subsequent investigations under the initiative “Operation Take Back America.” This nationwide program is part of the Department of Justice's efforts to combat illegal immigration and dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, while protecting communities from violent crime.