AMO drug bust yields more than three tons of marijuana off Central American coast

A mission by agents of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) seized more than three tons of drugs from a vessel off the coast of Central America last week.

The drugs, estimated to be worth $17 million, were plucked from a moderately-sized, open-bed fishing boat known as a “panga,” after it was spotted by agents patrolling in an aircraft over international waters. A joint Coast Guard and Navy team proceeded to investigate, seize and sink the vessel.  

“Typically most of the illicit traffic in the Eastern Pacific Ocean is smuggling cocaine, but marijuana is also a major source of income for drug trafficking organizations,” Bob Blanchard, director of Air and Marine Operations, said.

AMO currently employs 1,800 agents and mission support personnel throughout the United States and its territories. It utilizes 240 aircraft and marine vessels in operations for detecting, intercepting and apprehending those deemed criminals by U.S. authorities.