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 two vessels loaded with cocaine in two separate incidents, Nov. 21 and 22.
On Nov. 21, the P-3 Orion crew assumed the tracking of a go-fast vessel in the Eastern Pacific. The crew contacted Panamanian law enforcement, who launched two interceptor vessels to stop the go-fast. AMO vectored the interceptors to the go-fast’s location, resulting in the arrest of three persons on board and the seizure of 2,511 lbs of cocaine worth an estimated $33 million.
On Nov. 22, the same P-3 Orion crew was on routine patrol in the Western Caribbean when it spotted another suspect go-fast vessel. After contacting authorities, Panamanian interceptors launched and a helicopter went airborne towards the location of the go-fast. Although the go-fast was beached along the shoreline and the occupants dispersed, 70 packages of contraband were found containing 3,747 lbs of cocaine worth $49 million.
Authorities in both events seized the contraband, confirmed as cocaine, weighing a total of 6,258 lbs and valued at over $81.5 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.
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