AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico — A joint effort by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) and U.S. Coast Guard  resulted in the interception last Friday night of a vessel attempting to smuggle 2,513 pounds (1,140  kilos) of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $28.5 million.  Authorities arrested three aliens from Dominican Republic found operating the vessel.   

“We remain committed to work with other federal and local law enforcement partners to detect and deter smuggling attempts throughout the Caribbean,” stated Johnny Morales, Director of CBP’s Air and Marine Operations in the Caribbean.

On the evening of Mar.15, the crew of an Super King Air 350ER Multi-Role Enforcement Aircraft from the Bellingham Air and Marine Branch, observed a 20ft twin-engine open hulled center console go fast vessel navigating towards the town of Loiza in the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico.

CBP contacted USCG Sector San Juan who diverted cutter Joseph Tezanos to intercept the vessel near the delta of the Loiza river. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) assumed the prosecution and investigation. 

This interdiction is the result of ongoing multi-agency law enforcement efforts in support of Operation Caribbean Guard, the Caribbean Interagency Group (CBIG) and the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force (CCSF).

The suspected smugglers are facing likely federal prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico.

AMO is a federal law enforcement organization dedicated to serving and protecting the American people through advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities.  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 conducts its mission in the air and maritime environments at and beyond the border, and within the nation's interior.

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AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico - Un esfuerzo conjunto de Operaciones Aéreas y Marítimas (AMO, por sus siglas en inglés) de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza (CBP), y la Guardia Costera detectaron e interceptaron Provocó la intercepción el viernes pasado de una embarcación que intentaba contrabandear 2,513 libras (1,140  kilos) de cocaína, con un valor estimado en la calle de $ 28.5 millones. Las autoridades arrestaron a tres dominicanos que descubrieron operar el buque.

""Seguimos comprometidos a trabajar con otros socios federales y locales encargados de hacer cumplir la ley para detectar y disuadir los intentos de contrabando en todo el Caribe ", dijo Johnny Morales, Director de la División Aérea y Marítima del Caribe.

El 16 de marzo, la tripulación de una aeronave de control de funciones múltiples Super King Air 350ER Multi-Role Enforcement Aircraft de la división de AMO adscrita a Bellingham observó que una consola central con casco abierto bimotor de 20 pies avanza rápidamente en un barco que navega hacia la ciudad de Loiza en la costa noreste de Puerto Rico.

CBP se contactó con el Sector San Juan de USCG, que desvió al cortador Joseph Tezanos para interceptar el barco cerca del delta del río Loiza.

La Administración Federal de Control de Drogas (DEA) asumió el procesamiento y la investigación.

Esta interdicción es el resultado de los esfuerzos continuos de varias agencias de cumplimiento de la ley en apoyo de la Operación Guardia del Caribe, el Grupo Interinstitucional del Caribe (CBIG) y la Fuerza de Ataque del Corredor del Caribe (CCSF).

Los presuntos contrabandistas se enfrentan a un posible enjuiciamiento federal por parte de la Oficina del Fiscal Federal para el Distrito de Puerto Rico.

AMO es una organización federal, adscrita a CBP, de ley y orden, dedicada a servir y proteger al pueblo estadounidense utilizando recursos aeronáuticos y marítimos avanzados. Con aproximadamente 1.800 agentes federales y personal de apoyo, 240 aviones y 300 embarcaciones marítimas que operan en los Estados Unidos, Puerto Rico y las Islas Vírgenes estadounidenses.  AMO lleva a cabo su misión en el aire y el mar, dentro y fuera de la frontera y el interior del país.

Siganos en Twitter @CBPCaribbean

LAKELAND, Fla.— CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) is recruiting pilots at this year’s 45th annual Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland, Florida.  Sun ‘n Fun will be hosting a career fair, in which AMO will be available to immediately assist with filling out preliminary questionnaires to begin the hiring process.

The career fair is open to Sun ‘n Fun attendees on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

AMO is looking to fill over 100 pilot vacancies for locations throughout the nation, including Puerto Rico.

CBP’s Air and Marine Operations command multiple vessels, operate sophisticated detection systems, and fly airplanes, helicopters and unmanned aerial surveillance platforms to stop terrorist attacks and the unlawful movement of people, illegal drugs and contraband into the U.S. by land, air, and sea.

Agents serve our country while protecting our citizens from illegal activities. AMO is a highly skilled, select group and provide great career opportunities for transitioning veterans and college graduates.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the parent agency of AMO, has again been recognized by Monster.com as one of the “Best Companies for Veterans,” a list compiled yearly by a panel of veteran employment experts based on standout veteran hiring and retention practices.  Placing third out of 10 companies, CBP is the only Federal agency on the list, a distinction CBP has earned for the third consecutive year.

To learn more about duties, pay and benefits, and additional specialty opportunities, visit CBP Careers or visit Apply Now to start your application process today.

Follow @CBPJobs on Twitter for the latest news on hiring opportunities and events near your town.

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

TUCSON, Ariz.– Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents arrested three illegal aliens, seized 286 pounds of marijuana, and rendered aid to an injured agent west of Nogales, Thursday.

Thursday afternoon, agents assigned to the Nogales Station detected a group of suspected narcotics smugglers west of Nogales. Agents began tracking the suspected smugglers through mountainous terrain, while Mobile Response Team agents on board a National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter deployed to assist.

After a brief foot pursuit, agents found and arrested three Mexican men, all illegally present in the U.S., carrying six large packs of marijuana.

During the arrest, an agent fell nearly 15 feet and sustained injuries to his head and extremities.

A CBP Air and Marine Operations helicopter was sent to the scene to extract the agent using a hoist.  Agents stabilized the injured agent and transferred him to an awaiting air ambulance for transport to a local hospital.

Agents seized the drugs and transported the aliens to the Nogales Station for processing. The injured agent was treated and later released. 

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents disrupted multiple smuggling attempts that resulted in the seizure of marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine.

On Thursday, McAllen agents working near Havana, Texas, responded to a report of several subjects carrying bundles of marijuana north of the Rio Grande. Agents from Air and Marine Operations and Border Patrol, along with Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and U.S. Fish and Wildlife officers, located six illegal aliens and the seized 20 bundles of marijuana worth an estimated $185K.

On Sunday, Rio Grande City agents working near Fronton, Texas, responded to the report of a narcotic smuggling attempt. Upon arrival, agents located a black Chevrolet Suburban loaded with several bundles of marijuana. As agents searched the area, they observed 10 subjects return to Mexico and arrested two Mexican nationals. Agents seized the suburban and the marijuana, weighing more than 925 pounds and worth an estimated $742K.

 Additionally, in separate incidents over the last few days, Border Patrol agents seized over 23 pounds of cocaine, 33 pounds of marijuana and over 2 pounds of methamphetamine, worth an estimated value of $833K.

Border Patrol is processing all subjects accordingly.

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382. 

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.

TRENTON, S.C. — A CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) flight crew, assigned to the Jacksonville Air and Marine Branch, assisted Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Aiken County Sheriff’s office on a sex-trafficking investigation in Trenton, South Carolina on April 3. 

An AMO AS350 A-Star helicopter crew conducted aerial surveillance and overhead watch as HSI and Aiken County SWAT entered the property in a rural area of South Carolina.  The property consisted of a primary residence and three trailers. 

The AMO AS350 crew provided overhead watch and perimeter security during the enforcement action to eliminate the potential of fleeing felons.  Officer safety was imperative during the operation due to numerous confined entries and the possibility of retaliation from the subjects.

The AMO flight crew identified a white sedan leaving the property prior to SWAT entry.  The vehicle was stopped after exiting, and resulted in two felony arrests.  During SWAT entry of the target location, three additional felony arrests were made and three female sex-trafficking victims were rescued.  The investigation and search is ongoing, which may lead to more arrests or rescues.

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, 108,444 pounds of methamphetamine, 872 weapons, and $34.2 million; 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.

MOBILE, Ala. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) received 23 Cuban nationals rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard in the Gulf of Mexico more than 100 miles north of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico on Sunday.

The individuals had been adrift for three days aboard a disabled sports fisher before being found by the Coast Guard and transferred to the Carnival Cruise Line Fantasy.  CBP was notified of the disabled boat, and an Air and Marine Operations (AMO) vessel accompanied the cruise ship to the Port of Mobile, arriving at approximately 10 a.m. Monday morning and met by CBP Mobile officers, U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents, Homeland Security Investigations, (HSI), Coast Guard Investigations, and the FBI.

All 23 individuals were transferred to the USBP station in Mobile for questioning by HSI and the Border Enforcement Security Task Force. The interviewers determined the castaways to be Cuban nationals, but there was no evidence of human smuggling so they were processed for expedited removal and are being held in the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, pending removal. The incident remains under investigation.

The Area Port of Mobile is one of three Area Ports under CBP Office of Field Operations, New Orleans, LA, along with Area Port of Memphis and the Area Port of New Orleans, and oversees ports of entry in the states of Mississippi and Alabama. CBP New Orleans oversees 18 Ports of Entry in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas with a domestic contribution of more than $200 Billion to the U.S. economy. To keep up with the latest news at CBP New Orleans, visit our Twitter page at @CBPSoutheast.

PONCE, Puerto Rico – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (AMO) intercepted and seized Wednesday 3768 pounds (1709 kilos) of cocaine within 74 bales found inside a go fast vessel intercepted near the town of Maunabo, in the southeastern coast of the island. The estimated street value of the narcotics is $42.7 million.

“Our Air and Marine Operations agents continue to be effective in their complex undertaking of interdicting smuggling attempts into our country,” indicated Johnny Morales, Director of Air and Marine Operations in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. “This overwhelming mission does bear results by taking illicit narcotics from our streets.”

On the evening of April 17, an AMO DHC-8 Marine Patrol Aircraft detected a twin engine, center console vessel, approximately 30 feet in length with two occupants traveling north towards Puerto Rico without navigations lights.

While maintaining surveillance of the vessel the AMO aircraft assisted Fajardo and Ponce based Marine Interceptor units to reach the suspect vessel.   Marine Interceptor units reached the vessel with blue lights and siren. The vessel failed to heave.

After a short pursuit, the CBP Interceptor deployed two warning shots and disabling shots to the vessel’s engines, stopping approximately 3nm south of Maunabo, Puerto Rico.  CBP Agents boarded the suspect vessel and arrested two occupants inside who claimed to be nationals of the Dominican Republic; finding 40 bales of narcotics.

CBP handed custody of the narcotics and the two occupants to US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for investigation and prosecution.

On April 9, AMO intercepted another vessel near Patillas Puerto Rico with over 1700 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated value of $20 million.  

CBP’s Air and Marine Operations (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.

Follow us on Twitter @CBPCaribbean

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (AMO) intercepted and seized Tuesday 1,776 pounds (802 kilos) of cocaine within 28 bales found inside a go fast vessel intercepted near the southeastern coast of the island. The estimated street value of the narcotics is $20 million.

“Our Air and Marine Operations agents patrol the coasts of the Caribbean determined to fulfil their duty of interdicting smuggling attempts into our country,” indicated Johnny Morales, Director of Air and Marine Operations in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. “This daunting task does bear results by taking illicit narcotics from our streets.”

On the early morning hours of April 9, an AMO Marine Patrol Aircraft detected a twin engine center console vessel, approximately 27 feet in length, traveling north towards Puerto Rico without navigations lights.

While maintaining surveillance of the vessel the AMO aircraft assisted a CBP Marine Interceptor unit to reach the location with blue lights/siren while a National Guard helicopter provided area illumination. The vessel failed to heave.

After a short pursuit the CBP Interceptor deployed two warning shots and disabling shots to the vessel’s engines.  CBP Agents boarded the suspect vessel and arrested two occupants inside, finding 28 bales of narcotics.

CBP’s Air and Marine Operations (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.

SAN DIEGO - Working in coordination with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) partners, U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested 43 people in three separate maritime smuggling events who entered the U.S. illegally by boat on Sunday.

The first event began on April 28, at approximately 1:40 p.m., when a United States Coast Guard (USCG) cutter encountered a vessel with 17 subjects onboard approximately one nautical mile west of Point Loma, Calif.  USCG requested assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO).  An AMO vessel arrived on scene a short time later.  The 17 subjects were suspected of attempting to enter the United States illegally.  USCG transported the subjects to the USCG Base.  AMO assumed custody of the suspect vessel and towed it into San Diego Bay.  U.S. Border Patrol agents took custody of the 17 people which included 16 adult Mexican male nationals ranging in ages from 22-54 years-old and one 22-year-old adult Guatemalan male national.  All passengers onboard admitted to entering the United States illegally and were transported to a Border Patrol station for processing.  AMO crews processed the smuggling vessel for seizure. 

The second event started at approximately 4 p.m., when a multi-agency crewed law enforcement vessel operating under the authority of a DHS Stonegarden program made contact with a boat dead in the water with four visible subjects onboard roughly a quarter mile west of Sunset Cliffs.  The Border Patrol agent onboard the Stonegarden vessel asked the four subjects as to their citizenship.  The four passengers freely admitted to being Mexican nationals, illegally present in the United States.  The agent boarded the vessel and noticed 12 more passengers down below in the cabin of the boat.  The 12 additional passengers also admitted to being in the U.S. illegally.  The vessel was towed to Ballast Point where Border Patrol took custody of the 16 subjects to be processed.  AMO assumed custody of the smuggling vessel and processed it for seizure.  The 16 people included 15 adult Mexican national males, aged between 19-59-years-old, and one 18 year-old Mexican national female. Two of the men are suspected smugglers.

The third event occurred at approximately 5 p.m., when agents from AMO interdicted a 27-foot Sea Ray with 10 people onboard approximately 3 miles west of Point Loma.  AMO detained the vessel with the occupants and contacted the U.S. Border Patrol.  Border Patrol Agents met with AMO at the USCG Base.  A total of 10 people were intercepted, which included the boat captain, and nine passengers.  Agents questioned the occupants and they all admitted to being Mexican nationals illegally present in the U.S.  Seven men, aged between 26-72-years-old, and three women, aged between 22-56-years-old, were arrested and taken to a nearby station for processing.  AMO processed the smuggling vessel for seizure.

If you have information about maritime smuggling or suspicious activity along the coast of California, call 911, and you will be directed through the proper channels. 

The CBP Strategy 2020–2025 is focused on twelve strategic initiatives that will advance CBP’s ability to accomplish our mission. To reach our goals and better accomplish our daily tasks, CBP must improve existing capabilities, develop new ones for the changing operational environment, and adapt our processes to better organize, train, equip and sustain our frontline operators. The strategic initiatives laid out in this document address key challenges and opportunities which guide where CBP should focus its resources. In particular, the strategy lays out specific activities and outcomes that must be achieved while also acknowledging that unforeseen developments or events may require reassessment and reorientation.

PORT CLINTON, Ohio. – A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Air and Marine Operations (AMO) vessel rescues distressed vessel after striking the Port Clinton Drawbridge.  

At approximately 1:30pm on Thursday afternoon AMO Marine Interdiction Agents assigned to the Sandusky Marine Unit were contacted by the Port Clinton Police Department requesting assistance to make contact with a vessel that had just struck the Port Clinton Drawbridge. A 33’ AMO SAFE Boat in the vicinity immediately responded and located the 35’ Sea Ray “Going Coastal” which was experiencing mechanical failure on board the vessel. Due to rough sea conditions, the “Going Coastal” was quickly being washed onto a shoal adjacent to the Camp Perry Impact Area.

A quick crew risk assessment performed by the AMO crew determined that immediate action was needed for the two occupants on-board the stranded vessel. Due to the vessel and sea conditions it was determined that an AMO Marine Interdiction Agent would have to board the distressed vessel for an emergency tow away from the shoal.

“These men risked their lives today to make sure that these two gentlemen made it home safely to their families,” said Brian Manaher Acting Director, Great Lakes Air and Marine Branch. “Had this crew not made these quick thinking risk assessments during treacherous weather conditions the outcome could have been very different today.”

After getting the vessel safely in tow, a brief medical assessment was performed on the two occupants by a CBP Air and Marine Emergency Medical Service EMT. Once the vessel was removed from the immediate danger area, the occupants and vessel were turned over to Tow Boat U.S. for a tow back to a safe harbor.

AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico –U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Border Patrol and Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agents, apprehended Monday 30 aliens from the Dominican Republic attempting to illegally land near Las Ruinas Beach, in the northwestern coast of the island. 

“We patrol the Mona Passage by air and sea, remaining vigilant to deter and interdict any type of smuggling event,” indicated Johnny Morales, Director of Air and Marine Operations in the Caribbean. 

On May 13, an AMO Coastal Interceptor Vessel (CIV) detected and intercepted a “yola” type wooden vessel approximately half a mile of the coast of Aguadilla.  Upon reaching the vessel, twenty aliens jumped overboard and started swimming towards the shore. The crew of the AMO vessel rescued the aliens using life vests. 

Border Patrol agents apprehended two aliens that reached the beach.

Following the Caribbean Border Interagency Group (CBIG) protocol, the AMO crew transported 28 aliens to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon for biometric verification.  Aliens with prior immigrations or criminal records could face prosecution. 

Border Patrol agents transported the remaining two aliens to the Ramey Station for immigration processing. 

Follow us on Twitter: @CBPCaribbean

AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico - Agentes de la Patrulla Fronteriza y de Operaciones Aéreas y Marítimas, adscritos a Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza (CBP, por sus siglas en inglés) detuvieron el lunes a 30 extranjeros de la República Dominicana que intentaron aterrizar ilegalmente cerca de la playa Las Ruinas, en el noroeste de la isla.

"Patrullamos el Pasaje de Mona por aire y por mar, permaneciendo vigilantes para disuadir e interceptar cualquier tipo de evento de contrabando", indicó Johnny Morales, Director de Operaciones Aéreas y Marítimas en el Caribe.

El 13 de mayo, una unidad interceptora costera de AMO detectó e interceptó una yola a aproximadamente media milla de la costa de Aguadilla. Al llegar al barco, veinte alienígenas saltaron por la borda y comenzaron a nadar hacia la costa. La tripulación del buque AMO rescató a los alienígenas usando chalecos salvavidas.

Los agentes de la Patrulla Fronteriza detuvieron a dos extranjeros que llegaron nadando hasta la playa.

Siguiendo el protocolo de la Iniciativa Interagencial de la Frontera del Caribe (CBIG, por sus siglas en ingles), el equipo de la AMO transportó a 28 los extranjeros al escampavía de la Guardia Costera de los Estados Unidos Richard Dixon para su verificación biométrica. Los extranjeros con antecedentes de inmigración o penales podrían ser procesados criminalmente.

Los agentes de la Patrulla Fronteriza transportaron a los dos extranjeros restantes a la Estación en Ramey para su procesamiento de inmigración.

Síganos en Twitter: @CBP @CBPCaribbean

AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) detected a go-fast vessel containing 710 pounds (322 kilos)  of cocaine, worth an estimated $9 million, 60 miles southeast of Guayama, Puerto Rico.

“Air and Marine Operations is always vigilant of the Caribbean waters to detect and intercept smuggling attempts such as this one,” stated Johnny Morales, Director of Air Operations at the CBP Caribbean Air and Marine Branch.

On Feb. 21, a CBP DHC-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft crew located a suspicious 25 foot vessel, with 2 outboard engines and 2 individuals onboard, navigating at high speed north. 

The AMO crew maintained surveillance and coordinated with the USCG to intercept.  The subjects began to throw bales overboard and attempted to evade the USCG cutter. After a small pursuit, the USCG stopped the vessel, apprehended 2 suspects claiming to be citizens of the Dominican Republic, and seized the cocaine. 

The mission of Air and Marine Operations is to serve and protect the American people. AMO applies advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities and employs a unique skill sets to preserve America’s security interests. With 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 uses its sophisticated fleets to detect, sort, intercept, track and apprehend criminals in diverse environments at and beyond U.S. borders.