Executive Assistant Commissioner Jonathan P. Miller, Air and Marine Operations | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Air and Marine Operations (AMO), a division of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, intercepted a yola-type vessel near Desecheo Island, Puerto Rico, seizing 170 pounds of cocaine and arresting two individuals from the Dominican Republic. The estimated value of the confiscated cocaine is $1.3 million.
The operation took place in the early hours of July 2 when Caribbean Air and Marine Operations and a Multi-Role Enforcement Aircraft (MEA) identified a 20-foot blue and red single-engine yola vessel approximately 18 nautical miles west of Desecheo Island.
The MEA crew alerted the AMO Michel O. Maceda Marine Unit, which deployed two Coastal Interceptor vessels to intercept the target. Upon inspection, Marine Interdiction agents discovered four bales of suspected contraband along with two men lacking documentation to legally enter or remain in the United States.
The individuals and the seized contraband were handed over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation and prosecution.
"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," stated an AMO representative. They operate across air and maritime environments within the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is described as "America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency." The agency comprises over 65,000 personnel dedicated to protecting America on land, sea, and air while facilitating lawful travel and trade to support economic prosperity. CBP emphasizes enhancing national security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.
