Joint Law Enforcement News

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)-led multi-agency examination of shipping containers at the Philadelphia seaport netted a historic load of cocaine, the largest cocaine seizure in the 230-year history of U.S. Customs and CBP, with an estimated weight of over 17.5 tons and a street value of about $1.1 billion.During a midstream joint boarding Sunday night, CBP, HSI, and U.S. Coast Guard authorities detected anomalies while examining seven shipping containers aboard the MSC Gayane…

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it has apprehended a motor vessel carrying prohibited shark fin meat. The passenger/cargo vessel Trisha Kerstin 2, owned and operated by Aleson Shipping Lines INC, and skippered by Capt. Joel P. Mendoza, was allegedly carrying prohibited shark meat from Bongao, Tawi-tawi to Port of Zamboanga City, where it was seized by the PCG on September 9. Thereafter, the team apprehended and found two perishable crate box containing approximately two tons of assorted fish…

The United Nations Security Council on Monday expressed its deep concern over piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Gulf of Guinea, and stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach — led by States of the region, with international support — to address the problem and its root causes. Issuing presidential statement S/PRST/2016/4, the Council strongly condemned acts of murder, kidnapping, hostage-taking and robbery by pirates in the Gulf, and underlined the importance of determining any links between piracy and armed robbery at sea, and terrorist groups in West Africa and the Sahel subregions. It encouraged regional organizations — including the African Union…

A patrolling Coast Guard aircrew spotted, pursued and compelled a lancha across the U.S./Mexican border, Friday, after the lancha was spotted poaching in U.S waters. At 2:30 p.m., a Coast Guard aircrew aboard an HU-25 Falcon aircraft spotted the 25-foot lancha fishing 45 miles offshore of Port Isabel and 7 miles north of the U.S./Mexican border. The aircrew immediately notified Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi, and pursued the vessel south, forcing it across the border. The Coast Guard Cutter Cobia, an 87-foot coastal patrol boat, also pursued the lancha, but was unable to intercept it. The Cobia is currently searching for any longline gear the lancha may have laid. The Coast Guard is continuing its efforts in conjunction with Operation Sea Serpent.

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Sequoia is delivering humanitarian aid and supplies to the outer Caroline Islands in the Federated States of Micronesia as part of a joint effort by the Coast Guard, the Department of Defense and civilian partners Monday. More than 25 pallets consisting of textbooks, teaching supplies, toys, clothing, books, paint, generators, appliances, coolers, medical supplies, basic hygiene items and 55-gallon barrels are being delivered to the islands of Ulithi, Nomwin and Murilo Atolls. These supplies will enable the reconstruction of clinics, schools and provide the Pacific Islanders essential supplies they cannot receive on a regular basis.

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security concluded a four-day joint law enforcement offshore marine operation with U.S. Coast Guard and NOAA officers and equipment Thursday, September 11, 2003. ICE air and marine enforcement personnel and equipment were also utilized. The four-day twenty-four hour operation focused on targeting commercial fishing vessels. Targeted vessels were boarded by officers for the purpose of detecting violation(s) of laws enforced by the federal agencies. The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office enforced violations of state and local laws. U.S. Coast Guard officers aboard the USCS cutter Heron and ICE special agents boarded the fishing vessel Christian G located about 52 miles southeast of Freeport…