| USA. CBP Agents use Black Hawk helicopter to intercept go-fast boat & apprehend 28 Illegal aliens |
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| Thursday, 12 October 2006 | |
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CPB news: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Agents appended 28 individuals and discovered 6 Cuban Finches, which were smuggled into the United States, when smugglers beached their boat on Fisher Island early this morning. At approximately 1:10 a.m. a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Citation jet, based out of Homestead, Florida, spotted a go-fast, running at a high rate of speed and without navigational lights, approximately three miles east of Key Biscayne, Florida. Within moments a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Black Hawk helicopter was scrambled to the area to effect the interdiction of the go-fast. Upon the Black Hawk's arrival the go-fast abruptly altered its course and headed for the eastern shoreline of Fisher Island, an exclusive enclave of multi-million dollar condominiums. Moments later the smugglers beached their go-fast, after nearly slamming into a rock jetty, and 28 illegal aliens jumped off the boat and ran towards the adjacent condominiums. "We're fortunate we are not talking about another fatality today," said Lt. Cmdr. Chris O'Neil, public affairs officer for the Seventh Coast Guard District. "Had they hit the jetty or been struck by another vessel, I'm certain there would have serious injuries and possibly several fatalities. We need community leaders to join us in denouncing illegal, reckless and life- threatening migrant smuggling." By approximately 2:30 a.m. all 28 illegal aliens had been appended by law enforcement officers and were turned over to U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of Border Patrol for processing. The vessel and an investigation into this incident have been turned over to special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The six Cuban Finches have been turned over to an Official U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Quarantine Center for observation. The birds will undergo observation for 45 days and be tested for viral diseases, including Avian Influenza. The State of Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will determine the exact species of the birds. FWC in conjunction with CBP and other agencies will then determine whether or not the birds were smuggled into the United States in violation of federal laws such as the: Endangered Species Act, Wildlife Conservation Act or the Migratory Bird Act. This incident clearly depicts the dangers and issues involved in the smuggling of people, contraband and/or animals. The overloaded boat and erratic maneuvering of the go-fast may have resulted in serious injuries or fatalities, the smuggling of animals or other agriculture products may introduce diseases, such as Avian Influenza, and/or insects that may cause devastation to our nation's economy. Report Suspicious Activity to 1-800-BE-ALERT. |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 12 October 2006 ) |
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