The U.S. Air and Marine Operations intercepted a boat smuggling 391 pounds of cocaine off the coast of Puerto Rico using a Black Hawk helicopter on May 14, according to Customs and Border Protection.
The U.S. Air and Marine Operations (AMO) successfully intercepted a vessel suspected of drug smuggling off the coast of Puerto Rico earlier this month. On May 14, AMO detected a 25-foot blue boat carrying three individuals and visible packages.
Following surveillance of the vessel’s activities, the San Juan Marine Unit deployed two law enforcement boats, supported by a Black Hawk helicopter, as part of their operation, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The operation resulted in the seizure of three Dominican Republic nationals and five bales containing a total of 391 pounds of cocaine. This helicopter-assisted takedown exemplifies the ongoing efforts of U.S. military and law enforcement agencies to combat narcotrafficking operations in the Caribbean region.
Christopher Hunter, Director of the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch, praised the AMO teams for their exceptional skill and coordination during the interdiction. “The decisive use of air disabling fire by our Black Hawk crew was instrumental in stopping the vessel and preventing dangerous narcotics from reaching our communities,” he stated.
Hunter emphasized the importance of collaboration with various partners to disrupt smuggling networks and enhance the security of the United States and its territories.
In recent years, the issue of drug smuggling has gained increased attention from the U.S. government. Early in his second term, President Donald Trump declared drug smuggling a significant threat to national security. On January 20, 2025, he issued a state of emergency in response to the rising influx of narcotics.
The executive order described these drugs as presenting “an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.”
In line with this declaration, the Department of War initiated strikes on vessels off the coast of Venezuela, consistent with the administration’s strategy to combat drug trafficking. Following nearly 20 strikes in Caribbean waters, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reported that these efforts had successfully disrupted some trafficking operations.
“Some top cartel drug-traffickers in the U.S. Southern Command have decided to cease all narcotics operations INDEFINITELY due to recent (highly effective) kinetic strikes in the Caribbean,” Hegseth noted in a social media post.
During the recent Black Hawk operation, U.S. agents chose to approach the vessel rather than engage from a distance. Infrared video footage shared with Fox News Digital captured the three men aboard the boat frantically discarding the contents of their vessel as the Black Hawk and other U.S. boats surrounded them.
As agents approached, the suspects raised their hands in surrender and were taken onto U.S. boats. A subsequent search of the vessel uncovered empty plastic containers and other unidentified packages. The contraband that had been thrown overboard was later recovered by CBP.
This operation highlights the ongoing commitment of U.S. authorities to combat drug trafficking and protect communities from the dangers posed by narcotics.
According to Fox News, the successful interception underscores the importance of coordinated efforts in addressing the challenges posed by drug smuggling in the region.