The US Navy will reward individuals for reporting information that leads to the detection of illegal maritime activity or seizure of illicit cargo in waters across the Middle East.
The program, established by the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), could potentially reward a maximum $100,000 cash payout or non-monetary items, like boats, vehicles, food or equipment, for tips that support counterterrorism operations or leads US naval forces to seize illicit cargo, like illegal weapons or narcotics.
US citizens are not eligible for rewards under the program.
Launching this program represents another example of our commitment to this region and its security. This also enhances our vigilance and supports counterterrorism efforts, which are essential to safeguarding the free flow of commerce
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said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of NAVCENT, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces.
During 2021, illicit cargo seizures in the Middle East skyrocketed after US and multinational forces increased patrols in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.
Namely, US 5th Fleet warships seized almost 9,000 illicit weapons, three times the amount seized in 2020. Additionally, the U.S.-led Combined Maritime Forces seized illegal drugs worth $500 million in street value.
