Two Irishmen were arrested this week by Homeland Security agents on a vessel allegedly smuggling people into the US.
Cops also seized $32,000 (€32,000) and a loaded semi automatic gun which is suspected to be owned by the boat’s alleged operator Clifford Allen Meadows.
Authorities say that on Monday, he picked up the Irish pair along with six others from the UK in the Bahamas and charged them $4,000 each to be smuggled into the US.
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But just four miles out from Miami, Florida, cops stopped the 31 Contender vessel and searched it.
In an affidavit submitted to the District Court of Southern Florida, Special Agent for Homeland Security Genesis Eusebio said: “The operator of the suspect vessel was identified as Meadows. There were eight other people on board, one of whom was a minor.
“Each of the passengers were identified as foreign: Six were from the United Kingdom, two were from Ireland.”
The senior officer said cops discovered a bundle of cash and a gun. He added: “Law enforcement found a loaded Glock semi-automatic firearm and a bundle of US currency, both of which were concealed inside a backpack within arms’ reach of Meadows.”
The seven other adults on the boat were interviewed by cops.
Mr Eusebio continued: “Each passenger said that they met Meadows that morning in Bimini, the Bahamas, and paid him $4,000 to board the suspect vessel and to be transported to the United States.
“The GPS system in the suspect vessel showed multiple trips between Bimini, the Bahamas and Miami, Florida.”
Alleged people smuggler Meadows was brought to Dania Beach Border Patrol Station and the eight others on board went to the US Coast Guard, where their backgrounds were checked.
Mr Eusebio said: “The results of these checks confirmed that none of the passengers had visas or were otherwise authorised to enter the United States.
“Based on the foregoing facts, I respectfully submit that there is problematic cause to believe that Meadows did encourage and induce aliens to come to, enter, and reside in the United States, knowing and in reckless disregard of the fact that such coming to, entry, and residence is and will be violation of [the law].”
It is not yet known if the eight on board without visas to enter the US will face charges. However, it is understood that it is likely that they will be deported.
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