MAYAGUEZ, PUERTO RICO - On Thursday, July 11th, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (AMO) intercepted a vessel off the coast of Desecheo Island, seizing 511 pounds of cocaine — an estimated value of $4.6 million.
According to a news release from Customs and Border Protection (CBP), two U.S. citizens were also arrested. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) took custody of the two U.S. citizens and the contraband for investigation and prosecution. The Caribbean Air and Marine Operations Center (CAMOC) contacted Mayaguez Marine Unit, giving information about a vessel navigating itself east towards Mayaguez.
A Multi-Role Enforcement Aircraft (MEA) from the Jacksonville Air and Marine Branch (JAMB) located the vessel with two people on board near Desecheo Island. The Marine Interdiction Agents searched the vessel and found 191 bricks of suspected cocaine. On Tuesday, July 9th, two days prior to the incident near Desecheo Island, AMO and the Puerto Rico Police Department thwarted an attempt by a man to smuggle 357 pounds of cocaine through the island of Culebra.
According to a separate news release, the estimated value for those seized narcotics is $3 million. AMO contacted the Puerto Rico Police Department to give information on a vessel that could reach the eastern coast of the island. A Puerto Rico Police Department crew in Culebra found a vessel near the beach along with a vehicle where a duffel bag laid outside of it.
As officers approached the vehicle, a man fled the area. He was later detained. Marine Interdiction Agents assisted police in finding bricks of suspected cocaine along with four other duffel bags of contraband. Agents seized the vehicle, one empty holster, and one magazine with 12 rounds in it. HSI took custody of the arrested U.S. citizen and the contraband for investigation and prosecution.
Christopher Hunter, Director of Air and Marine Operations in the Caribbean said in a statement, "Air and Marine Operation agents remain committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to intercept these dangerous drugs to keep them from destroying our communities." In a separate statement, Hunter said, "These seizures underscore the unwavering commitment of our Marine Interdiction Agents in safeguarding our nation's borders from the scourge of drug trafficking.
The successful operations on Tuesday and Thursday are a testament to the diligence, expertise, and relentless effort of our team. We will continue to leverage all available resources and intelligence to disrupt and dismantle the networks that seek to smuggle illegal narcotics into our communities. Our priority remains the safety and security of the American people."
According to CBP data, in Fiscal Year 2023, AMO enforcement actions resulted in 1,004 arrests and 89,909 apprehensions of undocumented individuals as well as the seizure or disruption of 256,883 pounds of cocaine; 2,049 pounds of fentanyl; 4.050 pounds of methamphetamine; 2,000 weapons; and $15.3 million.
According to a news release from Customs and Border Protection (CBP), two U.S. citizens were also arrested. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) took custody of the two U.S. citizens and the contraband for investigation and prosecution. The Caribbean Air and Marine Operations Center (CAMOC) contacted Mayaguez Marine Unit, giving information about a vessel navigating itself east towards Mayaguez.
A Multi-Role Enforcement Aircraft (MEA) from the Jacksonville Air and Marine Branch (JAMB) located the vessel with two people on board near Desecheo Island. The Marine Interdiction Agents searched the vessel and found 191 bricks of suspected cocaine. On Tuesday, July 9th, two days prior to the incident near Desecheo Island, AMO and the Puerto Rico Police Department thwarted an attempt by a man to smuggle 357 pounds of cocaine through the island of Culebra.
According to a separate news release, the estimated value for those seized narcotics is $3 million. AMO contacted the Puerto Rico Police Department to give information on a vessel that could reach the eastern coast of the island. A Puerto Rico Police Department crew in Culebra found a vessel near the beach along with a vehicle where a duffel bag laid outside of it.
As officers approached the vehicle, a man fled the area. He was later detained. Marine Interdiction Agents assisted police in finding bricks of suspected cocaine along with four other duffel bags of contraband. Agents seized the vehicle, one empty holster, and one magazine with 12 rounds in it. HSI took custody of the arrested U.S. citizen and the contraband for investigation and prosecution.
Christopher Hunter, Director of Air and Marine Operations in the Caribbean said in a statement, "Air and Marine Operation agents remain committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to intercept these dangerous drugs to keep them from destroying our communities." In a separate statement, Hunter said, "These seizures underscore the unwavering commitment of our Marine Interdiction Agents in safeguarding our nation's borders from the scourge of drug trafficking.
The successful operations on Tuesday and Thursday are a testament to the diligence, expertise, and relentless effort of our team. We will continue to leverage all available resources and intelligence to disrupt and dismantle the networks that seek to smuggle illegal narcotics into our communities. Our priority remains the safety and security of the American people."
According to CBP data, in Fiscal Year 2023, AMO enforcement actions resulted in 1,004 arrests and 89,909 apprehensions of undocumented individuals as well as the seizure or disruption of 256,883 pounds of cocaine; 2,049 pounds of fentanyl; 4.050 pounds of methamphetamine; 2,000 weapons; and $15.3 million.
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