JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An Air and Marine Operations (AMO) P-3 Orion Airborne Early Warning crew was conducting maritime patrols in the Eastern Pacific when it acquired a surface target of interest via radar last week during evening hours.
The vessel was identified as a 45-foot long Ecuadorian style go-fast vessel with two covered outboard engines. Three individuals were onboard.
A U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) cutter in the area launched a helicopter to assist in the apprehension. The AMO crew directed the USCG helicopter to the target for the interception of the go-fast vessel.
The individuals onboard the vessel began to jettison packages into the ocean as the helicopter flew overhead. The go-fast continued forward until one engine was disabled, causing the vessel to stop.
The AMO crew maintained visual contact of the vessel, while USCG launched a small boat for boarding the go-fast. The three individuals were apprehended and 17 fuel drums containing a total of 644 kgs. of cocaine were seized.
The National Air Security Operations Center-Jacksonville forms half of the P-3 operations wing. With its partner center in Corpus Christi, Texas, Jacksonville operates P-3 aircraft throughout North and South America in defense of the borders of the United States and in active prosecution of attempts to smuggle persons or contraband. The center is an active partner with FEMA, the U.S. Department of Energy and NORAD in times of national crisis such as Hurricane Harvey or post 9/11.
AMO is a federal law enforcement organization dedicated to serving and protecting the American people through advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities. AMO interdicts unlawful people and cargo approaching U.S. borders, investigates criminal networks and provides domain awareness in the air and maritime environments, and responds to contingencies and national taskings. 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 2017, AMO enforcement actions resulted in the approximate seizure or disruption of 269,790 pounds of cocaine, 384,230 pounds of marijuana, 5,721 pounds of methamphetamine, 1,089 weapons, and $26.1 million; 2,573 arrests; and 37,009 apprehensions of illegal aliens.