A self-propelled, semi-submersible vessel that was allegedly smuggling 3,800 pounds of cocaine was intercepted by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) last month near Corpus Christi, Texas.
During a multi-day operation, AMO crew used a P-3 Long Range Tracker aircraft to monitor the semi-submerged vessel as it traveled through international waters. Once it reached U.S. waters,
Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF), the Coast Guard and the Navy intercepted the vessel on Nov. 13.
Three crewmembers who were arrested will face charges in the United States.
“The drug cartels are relentless and extremely innovative,” National Air Security Operations Center – Corpus Christi Director Allen Durham said. “Interdicting self-propelled semi-submersible vessels requires expertise and the right aircraft. Air and Marine Operations will continue to beat the cartels at their own game to protect our borders.”
AMO maritime patrol deploys P-3 Long Range Tracker aircraft from Corpus Christi and Jacksonville, Florida, to surveil known drug transit zones from Central and South America. The purpose is to identify, monitor and intercept drug smuggling before it reaches U.S. shores.
In fiscal year 2016, P-3s operating from Corpus Christi and Jacksonville led to 145 drug seizures or disruptions. More than 34,108 pounds of marijuana and 193,197 pounds of cocaine were intercepted, according to CBP.