Air and Marine Operations (AMO), a division of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, intercepted a vessel near southwestern Puerto Rico on Tuesday. The operation led to the arrest of three individuals from the Dominican Republic and the seizure of 1,155 pounds (524 kilograms) of cocaine.
"This successful interdiction highlights the critical role maritime domain awareness plays in securing our nation’s borders,” stated Creighton Skeen, Deputy Director of Air and Marine Operations in the Caribbean. “Our teams are committed to protecting the homeland by stopping drug trafficking before they reach U.S. shores.”
The incident occurred on June 2 when a Caribbean Air and Marine Operations asset along with a Multi-Role Enforcement Aircraft detected a 30-foot yola-type vessel about 22 miles south of Cabo Rojo. The vessel was equipped with two outboard engines and carried approximately three people.
The AMO Michel O. Maceda Marine Unit, supported by an AMO UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, successfully intercepted the vessel near midnight. Inside, agents discovered three individuals from the Dominican Republic without proper documentation for legal entry into the United States, along with 22 bales of contraband and an AR-15 type rifle.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) took custody of the three individuals and the firearm, while the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) assumed control over the narcotics.
AMO's mission is to safeguard national security through aviation and maritime law enforcement expertise, innovative capabilities, and partnerships at both domestic borders and beyond. The organization operates across various environments within the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection describes itself as America's frontline law enforcement body—the largest in the nation—and emphasizes its role in facilitating safe travel and trade while enhancing national security through collaboration and innovation.
