US Air and Marine Operations P-3 crew and partners seize 730 pounds of cocaine in Eastern Caribbean Sea

An Air and Marine Operations (AMO) National Air Security Operations Center, P-3 Long Range Tracker crew and United States Southern Command partners conducted a counter-drug operation in the Caribbean Sea leading to the seizure of 730 pounds of cocaine at the end of October, denying transnational criminal organizations operating in narcotic and transit zones an estimated $13.8 million in illicit proceeds.

On October 30th, a National Air Security Operations Center—Corpus Christi P-3 Long Range Tracker crew assumed tracking of a suspect go-fast vessel in the Eastern Caribbean Sea. A Southern Command partner Maritime Patrol Aircraft crew guided interceptor vessel teams from the Dominican Republic to interdict the suspect vessel. Partner nation authorities detained three individuals and seized 730 pounds of cocaine.

National Air Security Operations Center P-3 capabilities continue to prove essential in support of United States Southern Command operations, contributing to an increased law enforcement presence in narcotics transit zones. This partnership bolsters support to U.S. and international law enforcement by sharing information and intelligence to help expand target packages.

AMO has two P-3 National Air Security Operations Centers located in Jacksonville, FL and Corpus Christi, TX. These P-3 aircraft operate throughout North, Central and South America in defense of the borders of the United States and to prevent attempts to smuggle persons or contraband.