Archive image: A U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP AMO) P-3 Orion Airborne Early Warning.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection photo.
ST.CROIX, Virgin Islands — A CBP AMO P-3 Orion AEW aircrew located a smuggling go-fast boat with cocaine onboard near St. Croix. After, the Federal and local law enforcement seized the transport with 2,860 Kilograms (6,305 pounds) of cocaine onboard and arrested the four smugglers, Venezuelan nationals, once they landed of their vessel on the coast of Long Point. Monday, February 12, 2024.
During a maritime surveillance, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations P-3 Airborne Early Warning aircrew located an open hull go-fast vessel with multiple bales and fuel containers at plain view, navigating northbound.
The Royal Navy ship launched two small boats to intercept and upon initial encounter, the go-fast failed to heave and a pursuit ensued. The go-fast jettisoned bales overboard and started heading at high speed toward the area of Long Point.
The go-fas vessel reached Long Point and the four subjects jumped out of and absconded by a heavily brushed area in a housing complex.
Virgin Islands Police, Homeland Security Investigations and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents searched the area and arrested four men who claimed to be Venezuelan nationals.
Crews from the Royal Navy and CBP Air and Marine Operations recovered 20 bales of narcotics from the water. Agents found inside the Eduardono type vessel 74 bales of contraband.
«In the relentless pursuit of justice, the collaborative efforts between British and US law enforcement in the Virgin Islands have yielded a significant victory against the global drug trade,” indicated Creighton Skeen, Acting Director of Air and Marine Operations in the Caribbean. “This is the biggest seizure we have made in this particular area and stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks and protecting our communities. Together, we send a clear message that transnational crime will not go unchecked, and our cooperation serves as a powerful force in safeguarding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of our citizens.»
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. 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 conducts its mission in the air and maritime environments at and beyond the border, and within the nation’s interior.
For more Hlcopters Magazine breaking news, stories, images and videos visit hlcopters.com and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
