Air and Marine Operations (AMO), a division of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, played a key role in intercepting a vessel smuggling narcotics in the Eastern Pacific. The AMO's P-3 Long Range Tracker crew detected the suspicious go-fast vessel during a routine patrol and informed the Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-S).
The AMO aircrew provided continuous tracking, guiding an El Salvadorian law enforcement vessel to intercept the smugglers. As authorities approached, the smugglers attempted to escape by discarding their cargo. However, the AMO P-3 aircrew maintained surveillance, located the debris field, and directed authorities to recover it. This led to El Salvadorian law enforcement successfully capturing three individuals and seizing approximately 3,300 pounds of cocaine.
AMO’s P-3 aircraft are instrumental in disrupting transnational criminal organizations by offering consistent aerial surveillance over extensive maritime smuggling routes. "Through strong partnerships," said an AMO representative, "AMO continues to safeguard the nation’s borders and prevents illicit narcotics from reaching the United States."
"AMO safeguards our Nation by anticipating and confronting security threats through our aviation and maritime law enforcement expertise," stated another official. They operate across various environments throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection describes itself as America's frontline: "the nation's largest law enforcement organization" with over 65,000 personnel dedicated to protecting America on land, sea, and air while facilitating safe travel and trade.
For further details about Air and Marine Operations or CBP activities, interested parties can visit their website or follow them on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X.
