Authorities in Puerto Rico have seized an estimated $37 million worth of cocaine south of the U.S. territory, according to the Associated Press.

The U.S. Coast Guard said Tuesday, May 6, that it found nearly 1,125 kilograms (2,480 pounds) of cocaine after spotting a boat traveling north toward Puerto Rico without lights. It says two men from the Dominican Republic were arrested while a third suspect escaped.

The Coast Guard says it fired warning shots and disabled one of the boat's engines to stop it. It says the three people aboard began throwing the drugs into the water.

The announcement comes amid an increase of drug seizures in Puerto Rico.

Last month, authorities seized more than 1.7 metric tons (3,700 pounds) of cocaine worth some $50 million off the island's north coast.