CBP Air and Marine Operations Initiate Joint Effort, Seize Over 700 Kgs. of Cocaine

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.— A CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) P-3 crew assigned to the National Air Security Operations Center-Jacksonville, was conducting maritime patrols when they located and tracked a panga-style vessel in the Eastern Pacific on Sunday, Feb. 17.

The AMO P-3 crew maintained the initial radar contact of the surface target of interest (STOI), a 35-foot long panga with two outboard engines.  The vessel was visibly riding low in the water although only three individuals could be seen onboard.

A Navy alert P-8 was launched to assist the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) with the interdiction the following day.

USCG interdicted the panga and conducted a search for contraband.  Three people claiming Ecuadorian nationality were detained and 719 kgs. of cocaine were seized.

The National Air Security Operations Center-Jacksonville forms half of the P-3 operations wing. With its partner center in Corpus Christi, Texas, Jacksonville operates P-3 aircraft throughout North and South America in defense of the borders of the United States and in active prosecution of 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 2017, AMO enforcement actions resulted in the approximate seizure or disruption of 269,790 pounds of cocaine, 384,230 pounds of marijuana, 5,721 pounds of methamphetamine, 1,089 weapons, and $26.1 million; 2,573 arrests; and 37,009 apprehensions of illegal aliens.