BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Air and Marine (OAM) in Buffalo, N.Y., recently finished their role in a law enforcement operation that began in February in the Rochester area. Multiple federal, state, and local agencies were involved in the operation, including a marine interdiction agent from OAM’s Rochester Marine Unit assigned to a DEA Task Force, and aircraft flown by pilots from OAM’s Buffalo Air Unit.
Air and Marine agents conducting aerial surveillance in the Rochester area.
The joint operation culminated on May 13, with OAM agents conducting land and aerial surveillance, and executing search warrants. The operation targeted a heroin ring operating in Philadelphia, Pa., and Rochester, N.Y. The warrants yielded the arrest of more than a dozen individuals, along with $187,000 in cash, 1.6 kilograms of heroin, five handguns, and an assault rifle.
“The Buffalo Air Unit flies day or night, providing sophisticated aircraft and highly trained air crews to fly missions during joint law enforcement operations,” said Air Interdiction Agent Jon Johnson. “We are proud to contribute to the success of the multiagency effort.”
The mission of the OAM is to serve and protect the American people. OAM applies advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities, employing highly technical and unique skill sets to preserve America's security interests.