Air and Marine Operations (AMO), part of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, recently intercepted a smuggling attempt near Dorado, Puerto Rico. The operation led to the seizure of 791.5 pounds of cocaine, valued at approximately $7.1 million.

Christopher Hunter, Director of Air and Marine Operations in the Caribbean, stated, “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.”

The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. on January 30 when AMO assets identified a vessel without navigational lights heading towards the northern coast of Puerto Rico. An AMO Coastal Interceptor unit, along with a Puerto Rico Police Department FURA unit, located the vessel as it approached the beach in Dorado. The occupants abandoned the vessel upon landing.

Agents discovered fuel barrels and eight bales of suspected contraband inside the vessel. No arrests were made during this operation.

Homeland Security Investigations has taken custody of the contraband for further investigation.

This seizure follows another recent interdiction on January 22 by AMO and the US Coast Guard, which involved a vessel carrying 282 pounds of cocaine from four men originating from the Dominican Republic.

AMO is responsible for addressing security threats through aviation and maritime law enforcement expertise across various regions including Puerto Rico, with approximately 1,800 federal agents supported by aircraft and marine vessels.

For more information about AMO's activities or to follow their updates on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, visit www.cbp.gov.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) serves as America's frontline border management agency with over 65,000 personnel dedicated to ensuring national security through innovation and collaboration.