Archive image: A CBP AMO (Air and Marine Operations) UH-60 Black Hawk sits on a mountain top in central Puerto Rico.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection photo by Kris Grogan.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP AMO) UH-60 Black Hawk and surface crews interdicted a drug trafficking vessel with 178 kg of cocaine offshore San Juan, Puerto Rico. The AMO aircrew utilized Air Disabling Fire to stop three Traffickers onboard the vessel.
On May 13, an AMO UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter aircrew detected a suspicious blue 25-foot Yola-type vessel with three people and visible packages onboard northwest of Puerto Rico. Continuous surveillance was maintained by aircrews until the following evening when the San Juan Marine Unit launched an interdiction operation.
Two Coastal Interceptor Vessels, along with multiple anti-drug aircraft, were deployed to intercept the targeted vessel. Aircrews provided constant vectors to Marine Interdiction Agents for the takedown.
At 9:51 p.m. local time on May 14, the two Coastal Interceptor Vessels intercepted the Yola-type vessel north of San Juan. The vessel failed to comply and began jettisoning contraband. The AMO UH-60 Black Hawk aircrew deployed Air Disabling Fire, bringing the vessel to a stop. One Coastal Interceptor Vessel crew took custody of the vessel, while the other recovered bales and electronic devices from the water.
On May 14, the San Juan Marine Unit deployed two Coastal Interceptor Vessels, guided by aircrew vectors, with a CAMB UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter aircrew assisting. Marine Interdiction Agents intercepted the vessel north of San Juan.
The suspects attempted to jettison contraband, but agents recovered the bales and electronic devices.
Three Dominican Republic nationals were taken into custody, and five bales containing 178 kg of cocaine were seized..
U.S. Customs and Border Protection video.
CBP AMO.
“Our Air and Marine Operations teams demonstrated exceptional skill and coordination in this interdiction. The decisive use of air disabling fire by our Black Hawk crew was instrumental in stopping the vessel and preventing dangerous narcotics from reaching our communities,” said Caribbean Air and Marine Branch Director Christopher Hunter. “This operation highlights our commitment to working with partners across all levels to disrupt smuggling networks and protect the security of the United States and its territories.”
Three Dominican Republic nationals and five bales containing 391 lbs. of cocaine were seized, transported, and transferred to the Homeland Security Task Force for further processing.
AMO is an operational component of CBP and continues to work alongside federal, state, and international partners to disrupt smuggling operations and safeguard national security.
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