SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Air and Marine Operations (AMO), an operational component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, intercepted a smuggling attempt in coordination with federal and local law enforcement partners resulting in the seizure of 791.5 pounds (359 kilograms) of cocaine near Dorado, Puerto Rico. The estimated value of the seized contraband is $7.1 million.
“Air and Marine Operations and our partners have a steadfast obligation to safeguard Puerto Rico’s borders and protect our communities. We remain vigilant and resolute in our mission to secure Puerto Rico against all threats,” stated Christopher Hunter, Director of Air and Marine Operations in the Caribbean.
At approximately 2:00 a.m. on Jan. 30, AMO assets identified a vessel without navigational lights heading towards the islands’ northern coast. An AMO Coastal Interceptor unit and a Puerto Rico Police Department FURA unit reached the coast of Dorado, finding a yola-type vessel approaching the beach and forcibly landing the vessel. The occupants fled into the brush, abandoning the vessel.
Inside the vessel agents found fuel barrels and eight bales of suspected contraband. No arrests were made.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) assumed custody of the contraband for investigation.
On the evening of Jan. 22, AMO and the US Coast Guard interdicted a vessel smuggling 282 pounds of cocaine, arresting four men from the Dominican Republic.
AMO safeguards our Nation by anticipating and confronting security threats through our aviation and maritime law enforcement expertise, innovative capabilities, and partnerships at the border and beyond. AMO conducts its mission in the air and maritime environments 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.
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