Special Operations.Com

U.S. Customs Service

Air Interdiction Program

Established by Congress during the late 1960's in response to the growing number of airborne smugglers bringing drugs into the United States, the Customs Aviation Interdiction Program became operational in 1971. Its mission: to stem the flow of illicit drugs coming into the U.S. through the air and to assist other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

In response to the growing appetite in America for drugs, particularly cocaine, Customs has developed an increasingly sophisticated armada of sensor equipped interceptor aircraft and apprehension helicopters to combat those attempting to smuggle dangerous substances across America's borders.

Once detected, suspect aircraft entering U.S. air space are covertly intercepted, identified and followed to their delivery sites by Customs interceptor aircraft such as the Cessna Citation jet and the Customs High Endurance Tracker (CHET). Actions by the smuggler aircraft are carefully video taped and documented by Customs air crews for use as evidence in subsequent criminal prosecution proceedings.

Utilizing the Sikorsky UH-60 "Black Hawk" helicopter, Customs law enforcement crews land adjacent to the smuggling aircraft and, assisted by officers from local, state, and other federal agencies, arrest the smugglers and seize their illegal cargo and conveyances.

Such capabilities have made airborne drug smuggling into the U.S. increasingly risky and more difficult. It is no coincidence that such air smuggling attempts have decreased precipitously over the last decade, as smugglers seek alternative means to covertly bring their contraband to the U.S. marketplace.

One of the most difficult facets of air interdiction involves the initial detection of airborne smugglers, who tend to fly their aircraft "low and slow" to avoid radar detection. To meet this threat, the Customs Aviation Interdiction program has developed comprehensive ground-based and airborne radar capabilities to detect smugglers not only along the U.S. borders but also as they depart the source countries and transit areas.

Utilizing a wide variety of civilian and military ground-based radars, tethered aerostat radars, airborne reconnaissance aircraft and other sensors, the Customs Air Interdiction Coordination Center (DAICC) conducts 24-hour surveillance along the entire southern tier of the U.S., and Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. When suspect aircraft are observed crossing the border, DAICC will immediately launch an appropriate Customs interdiction aircraft. DAICC provides intelligence, communications, and tactical radar control to the interceptor aircraft and ground units involved in the interdiction activity.

Additionally, Customs P3-AEW airborne early warning radar aircraft provide radar coverage wherever needed, including: the southern border, the Caribbean, or over international waters adjacent to as well as over source and transit countries.

U.S. Customs aircrews also participate in sanctioned and carefully planned undercover operations. These efforts are undertaken in close coordination with the Customs Office of Investigations and other agencies as appropriate. Smuggling networks are infiltrated by gaining their confidence, then prosecuting through the gathering of evidence to convict them.

The Aviation Interdiction Program's secondary mission is to support the efforts of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in their counter drug efforts. Customs helicopters and light aircraft are utilized in a wide variety of ways to assist the entire law enforcement community. For example, airborne surveillance plays a crucial role in following and apprehending smugglers. Customs aviation branches and units strategically located throughout the nation assist other agencies by utilizing aircraft to discretely follow land and marine "targets." This added "eye in the sky" capability gives ground-based officers a much greater advantage when following suspects. Over the past several years, this approach has made drug smuggling into the U.S. increasingly difficult.

Many dedicated individuals have committed their energies and talents to help fulfill the Customs aviation interdiction mission.

Customs air crews include highly trained law enforcement professionals who bring special skills to the fight against drug smuggling. Customs pilots, many of whom are former military aviators, must have logged over 1,500 hours of flight time before being hired. The Customs pilot is well versed in all aspects of tactical flying and operations. For those qualified men and women who may be interested in a career as a United States Customs Service pilot, please call (202) 927-3682 for application material.

Additional aircrew members include multi-mission law enforcement officers capable of operating sophisticated airborne radar and infrared sensors as well as acting as tactical officer during the apprehension phase of an operation. All tactical aircrew members are criminal investigators responsible for assembling complex criminal cases for swift prosecution.

Detection Systems Specialists (DSS) are primarily responsible for monitoring ground-based and airborne detection systems. Using the latest in detection equipment and seasoned judgement, the DSS is able to acquire, track, and advise airborne Customs crews of suspicious aircraft for identification. The typical DSS brings to the job a wealth of prior experience in military or civil aviation radar controlling.

The U.S. Customs Aviation Interdiction Program has as its primary mandate the detection and apprehension of drug smuggling aircraft entering the country. Collateral with this law enforcement mission is a real obligation to successfully reach and communicate with the youth of today in order to deter illegal activities tomorrow. Customs outreach effort is designed to directly interact with community-based organizations and schools so that citizens as well as children become aware of the dangers of drugs and Customs dedicated efforts to combat the problem.

Every year, hundreds of professionals from throughout the Customs Aviation Interdiction Program visit primary and secondary schools, civic groups, charitable gatherings and business groups to disseminate the anti-drug message. Organizations interested in obtaining more information about this free community service should write to one of the following Customs Aviation Facilities.

Customs National Aviation Center
5020 S. Meridian
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73119

OR

Domestic Air Interdiction Coordination Center
P.O. Box 6363
March ARB, California 92518