U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (AMO) intercepted a vessel on Sunday attempting to smuggle 156 pounds of cocaine near the eastern coast of Culebra, Virgin Islands. The seized narcotics have an estimated value of $1.3 million.
This incident follows another interdiction by AMO on October 2, when agents stopped a vessel carrying 1,321 pounds of cocaine along the western coast of the island.
Christopher Hunter, Director of Air and Marine Operations in the Caribbean, commented on these efforts: "Our interdiction efforts show results in all coastal areas of the island as a testimony of our commitment to protect our borders from dangerous contraband."
During a routine patrol on October 6, AMO's Caribbean Air and Marine Branch Coastal Interceptor crew spotted a vessel traveling west without lights. The boat was identified as a 20-foot center console Spider Yola with a purple hull and one outboard engine. Two individuals were aboard.
Marine Interdiction agents successfully halted the vessel near Culebra, discovering two men who claimed Dominican Republic citizenship along with three bags containing 59 bricks of cocaine.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has taken custody of both men and the contraband for further investigation and prosecution.
AMO is responsible for safeguarding national security through aviation and maritime law enforcement expertise. With around 1,800 federal agents and mission support personnel operating over 240 aircraft and 300 marine vessels across the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, AMO conducts operations at borders and within the nation's interior.
For more information about AMO activities or other news releases, visit www.cbp.gov or follow them on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), America's largest law enforcement organization with over 65,000 personnel, ensures national security while facilitating lawful travel and trade to maintain economic prosperity through innovation and collaboration.
