AMO stops vessel near Culebra attempting to smuggle 156 pounds of cocaine

ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands - U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (AMO) interdicted Sunday a vessel attempting to smuggle 156 pounds (70.75 kilograms) of cocaine through the eastern coast of the island. The estimated value of the seized narcotics is $ 1.3 million.

On Oct. 2, AMO interdicted a vessel attempting to smuggle 1321 pounds (599.1 kilograms) of cocaine into the western coast of the island.

"Our interdiction efforts show results in all coastal areas of the island as a testimony of our commitment to protect our borders from dangerous contraband," stated Christopher Hunter, Director of Air and Marine Operations in the Caribbean.

During a routine patrol on Oct.6, the crew of an AMO Caribbean Air and Marine Branch Coastal Interceptor located a vessel navigating west without lights. The vessel was described as a 20-foot center console Spider Yola with a purple hull, one outboard engine, and two people on board.

Marine Interdiction agents were able to stop the vessel near Culebra encountering 2 men, who claimed citizenship of the Dominican Republic and three bags containing a total of 59 bricks of cocaine.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) assumed custody of the two men and the contraband for 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. 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.

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We facilitate safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.