BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A helicopter and crew from the Bellingham Air and Marine Branch of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) located a missing hiker and led a search-and-rescue team to her location Monday.

The rescue occurred after the Bellingham Air and Marine Branch (BAMB) received a call from local law enforcement to assist in locating a hiker who had become lost while summiting Twin Sisters Peak in the Mount Baker Wilderness area. The hiker called 911 Sunday night to report she was lost, cold, and had only a few minutes of cell phone battery life remaining. 

Due to inclement weather, the crew could not launch until after 6 a.m. Monday. After takeoff, the crew made several passes over the mountain, focusing on the western slope of the north Twin Sister peak based on local knowledge of the normal climbing routes. During one of the passes, agents noticed movement under a tree and identified a woman partially matching the description provided by local authorities. The steep, tree-covered terrain precluded landing, so the agents directed the hiker to stay put. The agents obtained grid coordinates and radioed her location back to a ground-based Whatcom County Sheriff’s search-and-rescue team. The search-and-rescue team had trouble locating a route to the hiker, so the agents flew ahead of the team and led them to the hiker’s location. The search-and-rescue team then led the disoriented and hypothermic hiker to safety.

“In addition to our homeland security mission, we often take an active role in search-and-request missions alongside our local law enforcement partners,” said BAMB Director of Air and Marine Operations Todd Hoyt. “Thanks to our agents’ training and knowledge of the area, we were able to help rescue this hiker before the situation became worse.” 

So far this year, BAMB has taken part in five search-and-rescue operations in Washington state.

LAREDO, TEXAS– Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents together with CBP Air and Marine Operations rendered aid to a severely dehydrated subject on Highway 255 in Laredo.

Tuesday afternoon, agents assigned to the Laredo West Station rescued a subject found in the brush after a 911 call was received.  In a collaborative effort, Border Patrol agents and the CBP Air and Marne helicopter were deployed to assist in the search and found the subject.

After a brief search, agents found the subject unconscious underneath thick brush.  The helicopter landed near the area where a Border Patrol Emergency Medical Technician who is a Supplemental Air Crew member, began to administer intravenous therapy to the subject.  After treatment the subject was transported to a local hospital for further treatment.

Record checks revealed the subject was from the country of Mexico.

The Laredo Sector Border Patrol will continue to warn against the dangers of people crossing illegally into the United States through dangerous environmental conditions.  Our Border Safety Initiative (BSI) is a humanitarian, bi-national strategy designed to reduce illegal alien deaths, educate and inform potential illegal aliens of the dangers and hazards of crossing the border illegally, and to respond to those who are in life-threatening situations.

To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, download the “USBP Laredo Sector” App or contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994. 

MAYAGUEZ, Puerto Rico– U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers and Agents, along with other federal partners under the Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST), discovered and seized $1.6 million in undeclared currency inside a large propane gas tank on board a disabled vessel found drifting near the coast of Cabo Rojo.

On May 23, U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan requested assistance from a CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) Marine Patrol Unit for a reported disabled vessel.   The AMO marine unit found the vessel dead in the water 16 miles southwest of Cabo Rojo, with two men from the Dominican Republic on-board.

The vessel and its occupants were navigating to to Santo Domingo from the British Virgin Islands, when the vessel’s engine failed.

The AMO unit towed the vessel to the Mayaguez port where a CBP Field Operations Officer (CBPO) conducted an inspection.

A CBP canine alerted to the presence of a familiar odor from a large propane gas tank.  Inside the tank the CBPO, AMO agent and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agents discovered large sums of U.S. currency. 

The undeclared currency totaled $1,638,700.

CBP seized the currency under failure to declare and bulk cash smuggling laws.   HSI Special Agents took custody of the two men and the currency for investigation and prosecution.

The Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST) combats emerging and existing Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCO) by employing the full range of federal, state, local, tribal and international law enforcement authorities and resources in the fight to identify, investigate, disrupt and dismantle these organizations at every level of operation.  BEST partners stem from the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of Defense and Department of the Treasury, as well as other state and local law enforcement agencies

MAYAGUEZ, Puerto Rico - Oficiales y agentes de Aduanas y Protección fronteriza de los Estados Unidos, junto con otros socios federales de la iniciativa BEST, descubrieron y confiscaron $ 1.6 millones no declarados dentro de un gran tanque de gas propano a bordo de un barco averiado, a la deriva, cerca de la costa de Cabo Rojo.

El 23 de mayo, el Sector de la Guardia Costera de los Estados Unidos en San Juan solicitó asistencia de una Unidad Marítima de Operaciones Aéreas y Marinas (AMO) de CBP para ayudar a un barco averiado. La unidad marítima de la AMO encontró el barco detenido en el agua a 16 millas al suroeste de Cabo Rojo, con dos hombres de la República Dominicana a bordo.

La embarcación y sus ocupantes navegaban hacia Santo Domingo desde las Islas Vírgenes Británicas, cuando el motor de la embarcación falló.

La unidad de AMO remolcó el barco hasta el puerto de Mayagüez, donde un oficial de operaciones de campo de CBP (CBPO) realizó una inspección.

Un canino CBP alertó de la presencia de un olor familiar procedente de un tanque de gas propano. Dentro del tanque, el oficial de CBP, elagente de AMO y agentes de Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional (HSI, por sus siglas en inglés) descubrieron grandes sumas de dólares estadounidenses.

La moneda no declarada totalizó $ 1,638,700.

CBP incautó el dinero en virtud de no declarar y las leyes de contrabando de efectivo. Los Agentes Especiales de HSI tomaron la custodia de los dos hombres y la moneda para investigación y procesamiento.

La Iniciativa Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST) combate a las Organizaciones Criminales Transnacionales (TCO) emergentes y existentes mediante el empleo de toda la gama de autoridades policiales federales, estatales, locales, tribales e internacionales y los recursos en la lucha para identificar, investigar, interrumpir y desmantelar estas organizaciones en todos los niveles de operación. Los socios de BEST provienen del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional, el Departamento de Justicia, el Departamento de Defensa y el Departamento del Tesoro, así como de otras agencias estatales y locales encargadas de orden público.

TUCSON, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Nogales and Tucson stations seized a modified ultralight aircraft and its illicit cargo of nearly $500,000 in methamphetamine and fentanyl, southeast of Tucson, Thursday night.

Air and Marine Operations agents monitoring surveillance equipment detected an unknown aircraft entering the United States at approximately 11:00 p.m. The agents electronically tracked the aircraft and directed U.S. Border Patrol units under its path to an improvised landing site south of Tucson.

Agents encountered the aircraft abandoned along a rural dirt road, with two large plastic storage containers affixed to the fuselage. Canine units on scene inspected the aircraft and discovered numerous methamphetamine packages inside the containers.

The drugs and aircraft were seized and transported to the Nogales Border Patrol Station, where testing confirmed the packages contained over 143lbs of meth and over 200 grams of fentanyl.  

An AMO helicopter crew and Border Patrol agents conducted an exhaustive search of the area, but did not find the presumed pilot.

Transnational criminal organizations use a wide range of techniques to smuggle both humans and narcotics into the United States. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free.

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

TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents assisted by helicopters crews from Arizona Department of Public Safety and Air and Marine Operations provided a lifesaving rescue south of Patagonia, Thursday evening.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., Border Patrol agents from the Sonoita Station were notified of a 911 distress call, from a man stranded on a cliff in a remote area of the Patagonia Mountains.

Agents searched for the man, who was found precariously perched on a steep cliff.   Due to the dangerous location of the Mexican national, Border Patrol’s elite Search Trauma and Rescue Team was called in, to coordinate the extraction.

DPS Ranger, and AMO helicopter crews called to assist to survey the area for an extraction path had to postpone the rescue operations, until a second DPS helicopter, equipped with specialized hoisting mechanism arrived.

Through a hoisted extraction the man was brought down to safety into the custody of medically trained Border Patrol agents. The 32 year-old man, was found in good health condition and transported to the Sonoita Station for further processing. 

Tucson Sector discourages individuals from attempting to enter the U.S. illegally. The journey is dangerous, and individuals face illness, injury, and death in Arizona’s harsh desert environment. Especially in the summer months when temperatures reach extremes, Border Patrol’s law enforcement missions often turn into rescue operations.

The Border Patrol advises anyone in distress to call 911 or activate a rescue beacon as soon as possible.

Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free.

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

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla.— Two civilian aircraft collided near Green Cove Springs on May 29.  The Clay County Sheriff’s Office requested search and rescue assistance from a CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) flight crew, assigned to the National Air Security Operations Center-Jacksonville (NASOC-J). 

Two civilian aircraft had recently collided midair approximately five nautical miles from Green Cove Springs.  NASOC-J was conducting training in the area when they received the request.  An Orion P-3 Long Range Tracker diverted from training to assist in locating the aircraft.

Minutes later, the P-3 flight crew located the first downed aircraft, a yellow, single-engine RV-4.  The P-3 crew communicated via the Ops Center with the ground elements who arrived on scene and transported the pilot to the hospital with injuries.  One of three helicopters involved in the search located the second downed aircraft, a red, single-engine RV-4, two nautical miles from the first found aircraft.  The pilot of the second aircraft did not survive the crash.

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.

TUCSON, Ariz. – Two men were hospitalized after human smugglers pushed a group of illegal border crossers to their physical limit in a desert mountain range west of Tucson Wednesday.

Late Tuesday night, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection camera system detected a group of suspected illegal aliens traversing a remote and rugged valley attempting to evade arrest. Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents tracked the group on foot for more than 11 miles when they discovered an unconscious man suffering from various injuries.

Medically trained agents called for an airlift of the unconscious man, while working to stabilize him. Others began to locate members of the group who had split-up, and were hiding in a rocky valley to avoid being arrested.

Air and Marine Operations, from the Tucson Air Branch, launched a Blackhawk helicopter to airlift the unconscious man from the mountains to a waiting medical helicopter.

After hiking for 10 hours, agents ultimately arrested a total of 18 illegal aliens, 16 males and two females, from Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. The group was found exhausted and needing water. A second man was later taken to the hospital for chest pains.

All of the individuals are in stable condition and facing federal immigration charges following their illegal entry into the U.S.

Smugglers often lead groups of illegal immigrants through very difficult terrain with limited resources, abandoning anyone who cannot keep up. The Border Patrol advises anyone in distress to call 911 or activate a rescue beacon as soon as possible.

Air and Marine Operations is a Customs and Border Protection law enforcement agency that works in air and maritime environments across the country. For more information on Air and Marine Operations, visit https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/air-sea.    

SAN DIEGO — U.S. Border Patrol agents along with DHS partners stopped four smuggling attempts during the past week, yielding drug seizures valued at more than $329,000 and the arrest of nine illegal aliens.

The first event occurred on Wed. June 5 at approximately 3:35 p.m., when Border Patrol agents on Interstate 5 stopped a 28-year-old U.S. citizen driving a 2012 Ford F-150 truck south of the San Clemente checkpoint.

Agents questioned the male driver and conducted an exterior search of the vehicle with a Border Patrol K-9, which resulted in an alert.  Agents searched further and located several packages wrapped in cellophane inside the truck’s tool box.

The packages contained 66 pounds of methamphetamine and had an estimated street value of $153,870.  The man and the narcotics were turned over the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for further investigation.  The F-150 was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

The second incident occurred on Thurs., June 6 at approximately 8:20 a.m., when Border Patrol agents on Interstate 15 stopped a man driving a 2012 Nissan Sentra near Fallbrook, Calif.

During the vehicle stop, a canine sniff was conducted on the Sentra and resulted in an alert.  Agents searched and discovered 21 cellophane-covered packages hidden in the trunk of the vehicle.  The packages contained 14 pounds of methamphetamine and had an estimated street value of $33,810. 

The 25-year-old man, a U.S. citizen, along with the meth, were turned over to the DEA for further investigation.  The Sentra was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

The third event occurred later that same day at approximately 1:30 p.m., when agents encountered a 31-year-old male Mexican national in a 2008 Kia Soul near San Clemente, Calif. on Interstate 5.

A K-9 sniff on the Kia resulted in an alert.  Agents located 32 cellophane packages inside the spare tire of the vehicle.  One package contained 1.20 pounds of heroin valued at $28,750 and 31 packages contained a total of 49 pounds of methamphetamine valued at $112,700.

The man and narcotics were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for further investigation.  The vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

And finally the fourth event occurred on Sunday June 9 at approximately 12:30 a.m., when a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) aircraft observed a pleasure craft operating without running lights cross the international boundary.  An AMO marine unit made contact with the pleasure craft 22 nautical miles west of La Jolla and boarded the vessel at approximately 2:50 a.m.

Once aboard, AMO agents interviewed nine adult male passengers who stated they were attempting to enter the U.S. illegally.  The occupants were detained, then taken to shore and turned over to U.S. Border Patrol agents.  The agents identified two men in the group as the suspected human smugglers.  Those two men face criminal smuggling charges.

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders.  To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations P-3 aircraft crews located and tracked several go-fast vessels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean, leading to the seizure and disruption of approximately 22,000 pounds of cocaine during May.                                                                  

The P-3 crews, from the National Air Security Operations Center (NASOC)-Jacksonville and Corpus Christi, conducted maritime patrols leading to 10 seizure or disruption events. Through coordinated interdiction efforts with partner agencies and partner nations via Joint Interagency Task Force-South, 19 individuals were detained, 18,816 pounds of cocaine originating from South America were seized, and 4,299 pounds of cocaine were disrupted.  

“Our P-3 crews play a critical role in keeping these dangerous narcotics from making it to the U.S.,” said Executive Director, National Air Security Operations, Jon Miller. “Every time our agents locate a drug-laden vessel and coordinate an interdiction, they keep these dangerous drugs from our communities.”

 AMO’s National Air Security Operations Centers in Jacksonville, Florida, and Corpus Christi, Texas, operate 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.

AMO is a federal law enforcement component of CBP dedicated to serving and protecting the American people through advanced aeronautical and maritime operations. AMO interdicts and disrupts criminals and contraband approaching U.S. borders, investigates criminal networks and provides domain awareness in the air and maritime environments, and responds to contingencies and other national security operations. 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 provides airborne and maritime law enforcement expertise to CBP, DHS and the federal government.

In Fiscal Year 2018, AMO enforcement actions resulted in the approximate seizure or disruption of 301,553 pounds of marijuana; 283,503 pounds of cocaine; 180,444 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.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — On their latest trip to South America, a CBP Air and Marine Operations aircrew spoiled cocaine smugglers’ best efforts when they contributed to the arrest of 11 smugglers and the seizure of almost $300 million worth of narcotics between June 17-21.

“No one can hide from us on our watch,” said Director of Air and Marine Operations Bob “Thor” Blanchard. If smugglers are trying to bring drugs into the U.S., our dedicated and experienced crews will find them and they’ll go to jail.”

The crew of an AMO Lockheed P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft began its work by detecting a small fishing vessel or “panga” loaded with 1,656 pounds of cocaine. The next day, the crew was on patrol using its sophisticated radar system detected a purpose-built smuggling vessel. The “Low Profile Vessel” or, LPV, was loaded with 4,134 pounds of cocaine. On the last day of its trip and while heading back to the United States, the crew detected a hard to find semi-submersible vessel. That load was one of the Corpus Christi office’s largest ever seizures. The 16,938-pound load on this vessel brought their weekly total to 22,728 pounds, or roughly the weight of three heavy-duty pickup trucks.

The National Air Security Operations Center—Corpus Christi is a division of Air and Marine Operations and operates the Lockheed P-3 Orion conducting counterdrug patrol missions over the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Together with the National Air Security Operations Center in Jacksonville, Florida, Customs and Border Protection P-3 crews seized or disrupted 261,939 pounds of cocaine in 2018. 

The mission of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations is to serve and protect the American people. It applies advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities and employs its 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, Air and Marine Operations uses its sophisticated fleets to detect, sort, intercept, track and apprehend criminals in diverse environments at and beyond U.S. borders.

SAN DIEGO—Working in coordination with U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) partners, U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents arrested 12 people in a maritime smuggling event Monday morning.

The event began at approximately 2:30 a.m., when a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) cutter encountered a pleasure-craft vessel 28 nautical miles west of Point Loma, Calif.  Intercepting the boat, USCG found it non-operational and dead in the water.  There was one visible person on board.

After boarding the vessel, USCG personnel found an additional 11 people hidden inside the cabin.  All 12 onboard were suspected of attempting to enter the U.S. illegally.

USCG transported the group and vessel to an Air and Marine Operations (AMO) boat nearby.  Subsequently, AMO transported them to Ballast Point, where U.S. Border Patrol agents took custody of all 12 individuals.

The group included seven Mexican national males between the ages of 21 and 58 and one 21-year-old Mexican national female.  Also present were two Guatemalan national males, ages 23 and 37, and two Colombian national females, ages 30 and 42.

All 12 admitted to entering the U.S. illegally and were transported to a nearby Border Patrol station for processing.  Out of the 12, two individuals face Federal human-smuggling charges.  AMO crews processed and seized the vessel.

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.

FAJARDO, Puerto Rico – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agents, along with agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), seized Sunday $3.7 million in undeclared currency found inside five duffle bags on board an abandoned vessel near the coast of Fajardo.  

“We remain committed to working with other federal and local law enforcement partners to detect and deter smuggling attempts throughout the Caribbean,” stated Johnny Morales, Director, Air and Marine Operations for the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch.  

On July 7, U.S. CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) Marine Interdiction agents (MIAs) detected a vessel navigating without lights moving east from Fajardo towards the U.S. Virgin Islands.  The MIAs requested assistance from an AMO DHC-8 Marine Patrol Aircraft crew to maintain surveillance of suspect vessel. 

The vessel abruptly turned around towards Maternillo, Fajardo, landing the vessel near the entrance to the Rio Fajardo. 

The MIAs, Border Patrol Agents, and DEA Special Agents pursued the vessel and its occupants, who were seen unloading duffle bags from the vessel, immediately abandoning their cargo and absconding.  The agents found five abandoned duffle bags containing bulk US currency.

The undeclared currency totaled $3,700,000.  A loaded Taurus .40 caliber pistol and 63 rounds of ammunition were also found. 

CBP seized the currency under failure to declare and bulk cash smuggling laws.   

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.

Follow us on Twitter @CBPCaribbean

FAJARDO, Puerto Rico - Los agentes de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza de los Estados Unidos, junto con los agentes de la Administración de Control de Drogas (DEA), incautaron el domingo $ 3.7 millones en moneda no declarada encontrada dentro de cinco mochilas a bordo de un bote abandonado cerca de la costa de Fajardo.

"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 7 de julio, los agentes de Interdicción Marina (MIA) de las Operaciones Aéreas y Marinas de CBP, detectaron que un barco navegaba sin luces navegando hacia el este desde Fajardo hacia las Islas Vírgenes estadounidenses. Los MIA solicitaron la asistencia de la aeronave AMO DHC-8 para mantener la vigilancia del bote sospechoso.

La embarcación giró bruscamente hacia Maternillo, Fajardo, y aterrizó cerca de la entrada al río Fajardo.

Los MIA, los agentes de la Patrulla Fronteriza y los agentes especiales de la DEA persiguieron al barco ya sus ocupantes, quienes fueron vistos descargando bolsas de lona del barco, abandonando inmediatamente su carga y fugándose. Los agentes encontraron cinco bolsas de lona abandonadas que contenían gran parte del dinero.

La moneda no declarada totalizó $ 3,700,000. También se encontraron una pistola de calibre .40 cargada y 63 rondas de municiones.

CBP incautó el dinero en virtud de las leyes federales referentes al movimiento de divisas y el contrabando de efectivo.

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

ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agents, seized Tuesday $372,000 in undeclared currency found inside a duffle bag on the beach near a vessel found in Bordeaux Bay.  

“Transnational criminal organizations seek to conceal and move currency from their activities,” stated Johnny Morales, Director, Air and Marine Operations for the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch. “Our agents continue to use advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities to detect and interdict them throughout our coastal borders.”

On July 9, Air and Marine Operations (AMO) Marine Interdiction agents (MIAs) received a call a concerned citizen about a suspicious boat, making landfall in Bordeaux Bay, St. Thomas. The caller stated that three men were onboard and intentionally beached a 20ft Boston Whaler.

The MIAs responded by vehicle to the area and noticed a single duffel bag still sitting in the sand near the boat with a Puerto Rico registration. Agents conducted a sweep of the area but were unable to locate any of the suspects.

Inside the duffel bag, agents found an undetermined amount of cash in vacuum-sealed packages.  The undeclared currency totaled $372,000.  U.S. Homeland Security Investigations assumed custody of the seized currency and investigation. 

On July 7, AMO seized $3.7 million in undeclared currency found inside five duffle bags on board an abandoned vessel near the coast of Fajardo. 

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.

Follow  us on Twitter @CBPCaribbean

PORT CLINTON, Ohio— Marine Interdiction Agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) along with U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested an illegal alien fishing from a jet ski in Lake Erie.

On Tuesday, AMO agents and Border Patrol agents spotted a jet ski approximately one mile north of West Harbor. The watercraft, which appeared to be anchored with two subjects fishing, had no state registration number visible. AMO Marine Interdiction agents along with a Border Patrol agent made contact with the jet ski and questioned the two subjects, who admitted they were Mexican nationals and not in possession of any immigration documents.

The two subjects were transported by the AMO SAFE Boat crew back to land and handed off to U.S. Border Patrol agents who transported them to the United States Border Patrol Sandusky Bay Station for further identification.

“During the summer months Lake Erie is one of the busiest boating communities in the nation,” said Brian Manaher, Deputy Director Marine Operations, Great Lakes Air and Marine Branch. “This case is a testament to our highly skilled law enforcement ability to differentiate between legitimate boat traffic and nefarious traffic.”

At the Border Patrol station one subject was identified as a valid DACA recipient and was transported back to his jet ski and released. The other subject was identified as a Mexican national with a current warrant of deportation which was issued on October 2, 2012. The subject and his property were turned over to the custody of ICE/ERO where he will be held pending his removal.

SEBASTIAN, Fla.— An off-duty CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agent was the first to respond to a roll-over accident that had just occurred on Interstate Highway 95 near Sebastian, Florida yesterday. 

The off-duty agent, who is part of AMO’s Fort Pierce Marine Unit, was traveling on the highway in his own vehicle moments after the accident.  The agent parked his vehicle and ran to the scene, where he found a single male occupant trapped inside of the overturned truck. 

The agent used a knife he was carrying to cut the seatbelt and free the man confined inside.  He pulled the man out through the broken window and stabilized him on the ground.  The agent took full control of the scene, removed broken glass from the man’s arms, and shielded him from the weather until Emergency Medical Services arrived.

“CBP/AMO agents are among the highest trained and professional law enforcement officers in the country. I am extremely proud of the work they do on and off-duty. Honor and service are in their blood,” said Deputy Director of Marine Operations Jeffrey Marks. “Whether it’s hurricane relief, or in this case a vehicle accident, AMO agents are always ready to help anyone in distress.”

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.

FAJARDO, Puerto Rico – An off duty CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) Marine Interdiction agent (MIA) led the rescue of a young girl swept up by a flash flood in one of the river streams of the “El Yunque” National Forest Saturday.   

“The training and quick response of the agent saved the day for these youngsters,” stated Johnny Morales, Director, Air and Marine Operations for the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch.  “Our agents are vigilant even off duty.” 

On July 20, an MIA from Jacksonville unit, assigned temporarily to the Fajardo Marine unit, descended after a hike to a popular swimming area of the forest, noticing that a flash flood had engulfed a group of three young girls. Two of the girls managed to get to shore downriver and a third girl was able to climb onto a rock in the middle of the raging river, in obvious distress due to the strong currents and rising water.

The girl was visiting Puerto Rico with her family from San Diego, California.

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.

FAJARDO, Puerto Rico - Un agente de Interdicción Marítima (MIA, por sus siglas en inglés) de Operaciones Aéreas y Marítimas de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza, lideró el rescate el sábado de una niña barrida por una inundación repentina en uno de los tributarios del Bosque Nacional El Yunque.

"La capacitación y la rápida respuesta del agente salvaron el día para estas jóvenes", declaró Johnny Morales, Director de Operaciones Aéreas y Marinas de la Rama Aérea y Marina  para el Caribe. "Nuestros agentes siempre están vigilantes incluso estando fuera de servicio".

El 20 de julio, un agente de la estación de Jacksonville, asignado temporalmente a la unidad de Fajardo, descendió después de una caminata a un área del bosque, frecuentada por bañistas, notando que una inundación repentina había barrido a un grupo de tres niñas. Dos de las chicas lograron llegar a la orilla río abajo y una tercera niña pudo escalar una roca en medio del río embravecido, en evidente peligro debido a las fuertes corrientes y el aumento del nivel del agua.

El agente tomó la iniciativa en el esfuerzo de rescate entregando su cuchillo a un adolescente que le ordenaba subir a un árbol y cortar un columpio de cuerda. Con la ayuda de otros transeúntes, utilizaron el columpio y algunas toallas para hacer la línea de rescate.

Se organizó y aseguró una línea de rescate a un árbol río arriba y pasó a lo largo de una cadena humana, manteniéndose firme, llegando hasta donde estaba la niña. El agente dirigió todos estos esfuerzos hasta que se produjo un rescate exitoso.

La niña estaba de visita en Puerto Rico con su familia desde San Diego, California.

AMO es una organización federal, adscrita a Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza (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

LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Field Intelligence Team (FIT), the Laredo South Station, CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO), and the Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) unit rescued a lost illegal alien southeast of Laredo, Texas.      

On July 18, agents responded to a 911 call from a lost individual in distress.  In a collaborative effort, BORSTAR, LRS FIT and AMO responded to assist in locating the individual.  A Border Patrol Emergency Medical Technician immediately administered intravenous fluids due to the individual’s dehydration symptoms.  Further evaluation determined the subject needed additional medical attention and was transported to Laredo Medical Center. 

The Laredo Sector Border Patrol will continue to warn against the dangers of people crossing illegally into the United States through dangerous environmental conditions. 

To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, download the “USBP Laredo Sector” App or contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.