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  4. CBP Air and Marine Operations Intercepts Over 3,600 Pounds of Cocaine

CBP Air and Marine Operations Intercepts Over 3,600 Pounds of Cocaine

Release Date
Thu, 01/02/2020

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) P-3 Orion Long Range Tracker crew assigned to the National Air Security Operations Center-Jacksonville, intercepted a large low-profile go-fast vessel in the Eastern Pacific loaded with cocaine. 

Low-profile go-fast vessel
An AMO crew assigned to the National Air Security Center-Jacksonville,
intercepted this large low-profile go-fast vessel loaded with cocaine.

The P-3 Orion crew located and tracked the vessel over the course of two days.  On Dec. 17, the crew vectored U.S. Coast Guard to its location for a cooperative interdiction, resulting in the arrest of three Colombian nationals and the seizure of 3,670 lbs of cocaine worth an estimated $48 million.

The National Air Security Operations Center-Jacksonville forms half of the P-3 operations wing, along with its partner center in Corpus Christi, Texas. These P-3 aircraft operate throughout North and South America in defense of the borders of the United States and to prevent attempts to smuggle persons or contraband. The center is an active partner with FEMA, the U.S. Department of Energy and NORAD in times of national crisis such as Hurricane Harvey or post 9/11.

AMO is a federal law enforcement organization dedicated to serving and protecting the American people through advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities. AMO interdicts unlawful people and cargo approaching U.S. borders, investigates criminal networks and provides domain awareness in the air and maritime environments, and responds to contingencies and national taskings. With approximately 1,800 federal agents and mission support personnel, 240 aircraft and 300 marine vessels operating throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, AMO serves as the nation’s experts in airborne and maritime law enforcement.

In Fiscal Year 2018, AMO enforcement actions resulted in the approximate seizure or disruption of 283,503 pounds of cocaine; 301,553 pounds of marijuana; 180,444 pounds of methamphetamine; 872 weapons and $34.2 million. AMO enforcement actions also facilitated 2,373 arrests and 47,744 apprehensions of illegal aliens.

For more information about CBP, visit: CBP.gov, Flickr, DVIDS, or follow us on Twitter at @CBP and @CBP Florida.

 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021