FAJARDO, Puerto Rico – U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations (AMO) Marine Interdiction Agents, seized Wednesday more than $2 million in undeclared currency found in bags believed to be dumped from a vessel traveling near Vieques, Puerto Rico.
While on patrol, AMO Marine Interdiction agents (MIAs) detected a vessel, which began to maneuver to elude them.
The MIA’s, operating a Coastal Interceptor Vessel, observed objects floating in the water that appeared to be duffel bags and retrieved them before sinking. Inside agents found US currency estimated at over $1 million.
“Transnational criminal organizations seek to conceal and move currency from their activities,” stated Johnny Morales, Director, Air and Marine Operations for the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch. “Our agents continue to use advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities to detect and interdict them throughout our coastal borders.”
Special Agents with US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) will take over the investigation.
AMO is a federal law enforcement organization dedicated to serving and protecting the American people through advanced aeronautical and maritime capabilities. With approximately 1,800 federal agents and mission support personnel, 240 aircraft, and 300 marine vessels operating throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, AMO conducts its mission in the air and maritime environments at and beyond the border, and within the nation’s interior.
~CBP~
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
