The crew is detained on board the vessel for the investigation
A contingent of Department of Homeland Security agencies discovered almost 100 lbs of illicit narcotics during joint enforcement exam aboard a vessel arriving to the Port of Corpus Christi, shortly before 8 p.m. December 8.
DHS law enforcement personnel found two stowaways from Colombia aboard the vessel. Also discovered were 94 lbs of cocaine and more than 5 pounds of heroin packed in two nylon bags.
The Motor Vessel , an oil tanker, was arriving from Venezuela.
Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations, Office of Air and Marine, and U.S. Border Patrol conducted the joint boarding. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) also participated in the joint enforcement exam.
“This operation is a first-rate example of the collaborative effort DHS makes in securing the nation,” said CBP’s Judson W. Murdock II, acting director of field operations, Houston. “We will take any opportunity to work with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to disrupt criminal activity whether it’s seizing narcotics or arresting illegal immigrants.”
The joint boarding was planned and conducted by participating agencies based on targeting by CBP using law enforcement databases.
The crew is currently detained on board the vessel. HSI is leading the investigation
Source: CBP.gov