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CBP Air Ensures the Seizure of More Than 2,000 Pounds of Cocaine in Eastern Pacific

Posted on: Tuesday, 15 August 2006, 18:00 CDT

WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Air Interdiction Agents identified and tracked a suspected smuggling vessel loaded with more than 2,000 pounds of cocaine, bringing a two-day interdiction effort to a successful resolution Aug 14.

On Aug. 13, two CBP P-3 aircraft from the Surveillance Branch East, Jacksonville, Fla., located and began tracking a vessel suspected of transporting narcotics in the Eastern Pacific. Working with a U.S. Navy vessel, CBP agents tracked the "Go Fast" and coordinated the interdiction with the Navy vessel for two days for over 5,400 nautical miles.

Prior to the interdiction, the CBP P-3 aircrew observed the smugglers discard bales of the contraband overboard. As the Navy ship approached, the smugglers attempted to set their vessel on fire to destroy evidence. Navy personnel successfully fought the fire, preserving the vessel and its evidence and rescued the four "go-fast" crewmembers.

The seizure of more than 2,000 pounds of cocaine makes the total seizures for Surveillance Branch East approximately 114,500 pounds this fiscal year, well in excess of $ 1 billion street value.

Close cooperation with the Department of Defense and other Department of Homeland Security agencies shown in this case enhances national security by preventing illegal narcotics, terrorists, and weapons from being smuggled into our nation.

The one-hundred person, six airplane Air Branch of Surveillance Branch East Jacksonville operates aircraft throughout Central and South America participating in America's war on drugs and securing our borders. Photos are available upon request.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

CONTACT: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Public Affairs,+1-202-344-1770

Web site: http://www.cbp.gov/

Source: PRNewswire

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