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  4. CBP’s Air and Marine Operations in Miami Partners with U.S. Marshals Service during Coordinated Takedown

CBP’s Air and Marine Operations in Miami Partners with U.S. Marshals Service during Coordinated Takedown

Release Date
Wed, 01/17/2018

MIAMI—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Air and Marine Operations (AMO) Miami Air and Marine Branch (MAMB), working in partnership with the U.S. Marshals Service for the Southern District of Florida Special Operations Group and Miami-Dade Police Department, provided air support during the arrest of a high-risk fugitive with ties dating back to Miami’s “cocaine cowboys” era.

CBP's Air and Marine Operations during a coordinated enforcement effort.
CBP's Air and Marine Operations
during a coordinated enforcement effort.

CBP Air and Marine Operations Miami Air and Marine Branch crews with Air Crew Rifle Operators (ACROs) used sophisticated surveillance equipment and streamed live video as part of the multi-agency operations on Jan. 12. Additionally, Marine Interdiction Agents from the Miami and Key Largo Marine Units supported the U.S. Marshals Service tactical commander with communications assistance.

Once law enforcement personnel arrived at the residence, the suspect attempted to evade authorities on an ATV and then on foot. The AMO crew located the individual and directed ground agents to his location for the arrest. The suspect was on the run for four years. Authorities also recovered a cache of weapons and $36,700 in cash.

“Partnership efforts and community involvement are extremely important to U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s mission,” said Martin Wade, Director of the Miami Air and Marine Branch. “This coordinated enforcement effort is a shining example of our ability to support our partner law enforcement agencies in apprehending a very high profile and dangerous fugitive.”

CBP's Air and Marine Operations mission is to serve and protect the American people.
CBP's Air and Marine Operations
mission is to serve and protect the
American people.

The mission of CBP's Air and Marine Operations is to serve and protect the American people.  AMO applies advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities and employs a unique skill set to preserve America’s security interest. Air and Marine Operation’s day-to-day operations along Florida’s coastline involve patrolling the seas and skies, intercepting contraband, catching smugglers, and assisting in rescue and recovery operations.

CBP asks you to report maritime smuggling and other suspicious activities through 1-800-BE-ALERT or after hours toll-free number 1-800- 562-5943.

For breaking news and information updates from U.S. Customs and Border Protection follow @CustomsBorder @CBPFlorida and CBPCaribbean on Twitter. File footage is available through U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Public Affairs via the Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System.

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 the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 23, 2022