CBP intercepts 3,600 pounds of cocaine from Pacific-cruising boat

A mission from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) spotted and intercepted a vessel in the Eastern Pacific last week, seizing 3,600 pounds of cocaine and arresting three Columbian nationals in the process.

The efforts were thanks to a P-3 Orion Long Range Tracker, which detected the large, low-profile, fast-moving vessel. Over two days, the P-3’s crew located and tracked the vessel before linking up with the U.S. Coast Guard to interdict the craft. AMO estimates the drug haul from the craft to be worth approximately $48 million.

The AMO crew involved was assigned to the National Air Security Center-Jacksonville, which forms half of the P-3 operations wing. The P-3s operate throughout North and South America to crack down on smuggling and contraband.

In 2018, AMO estimated its actions to have resulted in approximately 283,503 pounds of cocaine, 301,553 pounds of marijuana, 180,444 pounds of methamphetamine, 872 weapons, and $34.2 million seized. Its officers are also responsible for 2,373 arrests and 47,744 apprehensions of people they deem illegal.