AMO Seized 489 Pounds of Cocaine near Vieques, Puerto Rico; Three Men Arrested

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Air and Marine Operations (AMO), Caribbean Air and Marine Branch Coastal Interceptor Vessel (CIV) crew arrested three U.S. Citizens, and seized 489 pounds (222 Kilos) of cocaine. The estimated value of the seized cocaine is $5.8 millones.

A Fajardo Marine Unit crew responded to a report of a suspicious vessel operating near Vieques, Puerto Rico. Marine Interdiction Agents (MIA) identified a dead in water lights-out vessel near the shore that relocated to a nearby beach area, and observed three individuals moving suspected contraband from the vessel to the shore.

AMO agents arrested three U.S. Citizens and recovered six large duffel bags, a backpack, and the suspect vessel.

Local Puerto Rico Police Department authorities aided transport of suspects, 190 bricks of cocaine, and the vessel to Isabela Segunda Vieques, Puerto Rico. AMO transferred custody of men and evidence to the Homeland Security Investigations for prosecution and investigation.

Air and Marine Operations 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. With approximately 1,800 federal agents and mission support personnel, 240 aircraft and 300 marine vessels operating throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, AMO serves as the nation’s experts in airborne and maritime law enforcement.

In Fiscal Year 2020, AMO enforcement actions resulted in the seizure or disruption of 194,220 pounds of cocaine, 278,492 pounds of marijuana, 15,985 pounds of methamphetamine, 952 weapons and $51.5 million, 1,066 arrests, 47,872 apprehensions of illegal aliens.