Border Patrol Intercepts Maritime Smuggling Operation Off Florida Coast

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Maritime smuggling operation off Florida coast disrupted by AMO, leading to 24 arrests and seizure of two vessels near Elliott Key.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations (AMO) intercepted a maritime smuggling attempt off the Florida coast on Tuesday, leading to the arrest of 24 individuals and the seizure of two vessels. The operation unfolded after an AMO aircrew detected suspicious activity near Bimini, Bahamas, prompting a coordinated response by maritime interdiction agents.

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At approximately 11:40 a.m. on February 18, an AMO Multi-Role Enforcement Aircraft identified a vessel of interest and relayed its location to AMO’s Coastal Interceptor Vessel crews. By 3:00 p.m., agents stopped a 27-foot twin-engine Sea Ray near Elliott Key, Florida. Upon inspection, multiple individuals were found onboard, including some hidden under the aft seat. None had valid documentation to enter or remain in the United States. The individuals were subsequently transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Vigorous for further processing.

During questioning, the vessel’s operator admitted to plans of meeting a second boat. While moving inshore, AMO agents located and intercepted a 22-foot Angler east of Elliott Key. The second vessel carried two individuals—a U.S. citizen and a lawful permanent resident—one of whom was identified as a participant in the smuggling operation.

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The Miami Marine Unit seized both vessels and transported them to the U.S. Coast Guard Station Miami Beach. Authorities confirmed that the intercepted individuals included 21 Chinese nationals, one Ecuadorian, one Colombian, and one Dominican male suspected of being the smuggler. AMO, responsible for securing U.S. air and maritime borders, continues to conduct enforcement operations across the country, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors.

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