SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "Port Angeles CBP Assets Assist in Arrest of Murder Suspect"

"Port Angeles, Wash. - On June 3, 2012, CBP U.S. Border Patrol agents, CBP air assets, along with multiple local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies apprehended a suspected murderer after an extensive manhunt near Port Angeles, Washington.

“I commend the actions of all law enforcement agencies involved in the search and arrest which potentially saved additional human lives,” said Blaine Sector Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent John C. Bates. “Border Patrol routinely provides assistance and partners with local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement agencies as requested.”

A Clallam County Sheriff’s spokesperson stated, “Sheriff Benedict greatly appreciates the close working relationship he enjoys with the Border Patrol and the rapid support and back-up provided by the dedicated and professional Border Patrol agents in Clallam County. The apprehension of this armed and dangerous subject was the product of the teamwork and skill of all of the Olympic Peninsula law enforcement agencies, and in particular the quick response we received from the Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection for ground and air assets.”

On June 3, 2012, at approximately 9:00 a.m., the Port Angeles Border Patrol Station received a request for assistance from the Clallam County Sheriff's Office for an ongoing manhunt. The Clallam County Sheriff's Office was searching for a subject who had allegedly invaded a home on Blue Mountain Road near Port Angeles and murdered one occupant. CBP Border Patrol agents from the Port Angeles Station and a CBP helicopter from the Bellingham air branch responded.

Border Patrol Agents along with multiple local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies helped establish a containment zone around the last known location of the suspect. The CBP helicopter and Border Patrol agents on the ground spotted an individual matching the murder suspect in a wooded area near Gelor Road. Border Patrol agents subdued and disarmed the subject who had a 9mm pistol and knife in his possession at the time of the arrest. The suspect and weapons were turned over to the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."

SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "Agents Net Nearly 4 Tons of Marijuana Over Memorial Day Weekend"

"Edinburgh, Texas ─ CBP U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector confiscated more than $6.3 million worth of marijuana in multiple seizures over Memorial Day weekend.

 

The largest seizure took place Friday evening near La Casitas, Texas, when agents saw a pickup truck being loaded with marijuana on the banks of the Rio Grande. Agents intercepted the vehicle as it traveled away from the river, however the driver jumped out and fled into the surrounding brush ─ abandoning more than 1,500 pounds of marijuana.

 

Agents made another large seizure that same day near La Casita after agents encountered a Chevy Tahoe traveling north away from the river. When the vehicle’s driver saw agents approaching, he immediately made a U-turn. Agents found the Tahoe abandoned on the riverbank and saw two people swimming to Mexico. Inside the vehicle agents found more than 1,200 pounds of marijuana.

 

Several additional seizures brought the total amount of marijuana seized from Friday through Monday to nearly 8,000 pounds. It was turned over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.

 

To report suspicious activity, call the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector’s toll-free telephone number at (800)-863-9382.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "CBP Officers at Southern Texas Port of Entry Foil Cocaine Smuggler"

"Eagle Pass, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Eagle Pass port of entry Friday seized more than 12 pounds of cocaine from a vehicle entering the country from Mexico.

Friday afternoon, CBP officers at Eagle Pass Bridge No. 1 referred a 1997 Buick LeSabre driven by a 27-year-old Mexican citizen Piedras Negras, for intensive inspection. Officers scanned the car using a non-intrusive imaging system and discovered six electrical tape-wrapped packages hidden inside the vehicle. A field test revealed that the packages contained a total of 12.67 pounds of cocaine, worth an estimated $405,504.

 

The suspect was turned over to agents of Homeland Security Investigations.

 

“The persistence of our CBP officers, coupled with their training, was instrumental in preventing this load of narcotics from reaching America’s streets,” said CBP Port Director Cynthia O. Rodriguez. “Our frontline officers continue to keep a step ahead of would-be smugglers.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."

SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "CBP Foils Huge Drug Smuggling Attempt"

"Tucson, Ariz. – Agents from CBP's Tucson Sector, Sonoita Border Patrol Station seized 6,153 pounds of marijuana yesterday worth more than $3 million.

Agents responded to a call of two suspicious vehicles parked east of Patagonia, Ariz. At the scene, agents discovered two abandoned vehicles loaded with 604 bundles of marijuana. The narcotics, worth approximately $3,076,500, and vehicles were seized. The Drug Enforcement Administration will take possession of the marijuana.

“This seizure shows how elements of our national strategy work when resourceful agents use information and relations to target and dismantle transnational criminal organizations operating within our border communities,” stated Patrol Agent in Charge Michael G. Hyatt of the Sonoita Station.

 

The Tucson Sector, employing targeted enforcement tactics, is making significant progress along the Arizona/Mexico border by tracking down and prosecuting smugglers attempting to transport contraband further into the United States. Stiff penalties for smuggling also cause many smugglers to abandon their drug loads rather than risk apprehension and federal prosecution.

 

Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling (877) 872-7435 toll free.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."

SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "CBP Makes Two Large Marijuana Busts"

'FCL' here, covering  for our poor 'Nanny' who fractured her wrist a few days ago.

Look at this photo!  Can you believe some of the ways these cartels try to smuggle in dope to the USA??!

Click title to read about this bust. 

SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "CBP Seizes Cocaine Hidden in Refrigerated Container at Red Hook Terminal"

"New York, N.Y. — U. S. Customs and Border Protection officers from the Port of New York/New Jersey discovered cocaine hidden within a refrigerated container at the Brooklyn terminal.

On May 7, CBP officers from the Port of NY/NJ conducted an inspection with U. S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents of containers at the Red Hook Container Terminal, destined for Antwerp, Belgium. While examining a refrigeration unit, CBP and HSI discovered 11 brick shaped objects concealed within the container. The contents of the packages tested positive for cocaine and contained approximately 24.6 lbs. (11.2 kg) of cocaine.

Cocaine is a dangerous narcotic and CBP does its part in keeping these drugs off the streets,” said Robert E. Perez, Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations. “Our officers work alongside HSI agents daily in protecting the American people from these illicit substances.”

 

This case is still under investigation and no arrests have been made yet.

 

All defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."

"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "CBP Officers Seize $1.2 Million in Cocaine, Meth at Brownsville Port of Entry"

"Brownsville, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry on Thursday discovered cocaine and methamphetamine valued at more than $1.2 million in two seizures at two different international bridges in separate, unrelated enforcement actions.

CBP officers at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge encountered a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox being driven by a 24-year-old male Mexico citizen and resident of Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. CBP officers discovered 14 packages hidden within the Chevrolet. CBP officers removed the packages containing approximately 31.6 pounds of cocaine.

The second case occurred at Gateway International Bridge when CBP officers came in contact with a male United States citizen as he arrived at the port of entry as the driver of a black 2003 Volkswagen Jetta. The man, identified as a 47-year-old resident of Austin, Texas, was selected and referred for inspection. CBP officers discovered 48 packages hidden within the Jetta. CBP officers removed the packages which held a combined total weight of 14.10 pounds of methamphetamine.

The cocaine from the first seizure has an estimated street value of approximately $1,011,200 and the methamphetamine seizure has an estimated street value of approximately $211,500. CBP officers turned the drivers over to U.S. immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation. CBP officers seized the narcotics and the vehicles.

 

“Brownsville CBP officers have prevented two dangerous narcotic loads from being introduced into the country. Our CBP officers have intercepted these drugs just 12 hours apart at two of Brownsville’s border crossings. This is outstanding work on the frontline by CBP officers. I congratulate our officers for these seizures and the arrest of the drivers,” said Michael Freeman, CBP Port Director, Brownsville Port of Entry.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."

"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Washington Examiner "Border agents dispute claim that illegal immigrant tide is slowing"

Sara Carter:
"The once red-hot issue of illegal immigration has cooled considerably in recent months, in large part because of studies like one from the Pew Hispanic Center that said the flood of people entering the U.S. from across the Mexican border has slowed, and that the number actually returning to Mexico from the U.S. has increased, reversing a decades-long trend.

But federal law enforcement agents on the border are skeptical that the illegal immigrant tide is slowing. And new information from the U.S. financial sector shows that more money is flowing from American cities to Mexico in the form of remittances from immigrants than last year.

Federal law enforcement officials interviewed by The Washington Examiner say security is being compromised as the government seeks to keep a lid on the border as a campaign issue during the presidential election cycle. Department of Homeland Security's Border Patrol agents and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are being told not to make arrests of noncriminal illegal immigrants, and not to patrol areas of high traffic along the roughly 2,000-mile Southwest border.

A Border Patrol official working along the Texas border said administration officials are deliberately failing to document what is actually happening on the border. "In many cases my supervisors make it clear that they don't want increased apprehension numbers, which means no arrests," he said.

The government is also failing to patrol hundreds of miles of federal wildlife reserves that fall under the jurisdiction of the Interior Department. That has given smugglers and illegal immigrants a clear corridor to enter the county and has skewed national arrest figures, an official said. The U.S. is allowing "drug and human smugglers in without a fight" in parts of the Southwest, he said...." (Read more? Click title)

"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "CBP Officers in Pharr Seize Cocaine Worth Half Million Dollars, Reynosa Woman Arrested"

""Pharr, Texas— U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations at the Pharr/Reynosa International Bridge seized more than 15 pounds of cocaine and arrested a Reynosa woman on Wednesday.
 
The estimated street value of the cocaine is $503,680.

On Wednesday a 2005 Nissan XTrail driven by a 42-year-old female Mexican national arrived at the Pharr International Bridge accompanied by her 14-year-old son. The woman presented a Mexican border crossing card for herself and the boy to the CBP officer who subsequently referred the vehicle and occupants to secondary for further inspection. Officers discovered six packages of cocaine, weighing approximately 15.74 pounds, hidden within the vehicle’s dash area. CBP seized the cocaine and vehicle.

 

The driver was turned over to U.S. Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation. The boy was released to an adult family member.

 

“This load of hard narcotics was intercepted due to excellent enforcement and observational skills by our officers,” said Efrain Solis Jr., Hidalgo Port Director. “CBP’s commitment to help keep dangerous drugs from crossing our border is how we engage in the fight against drugs.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "CBP U.S. Border Patrol Canine Teams Prove Successful in Intercepting Drugs"

"Tucson, Ariz. – Multiple CBP U.S. Border Patrol canine teams made significant discoveries in the past 48 hours, according to agents reporting simultaneous cocaine and marijuana seizures.

Nogales Station agents working at the I-19 checkpoint Tuesday arrested an individual attempting to smuggle cocaine after a canine detection team alerted to the vehicle as it entered the primary inspection lanes. The driver and vehicle were moved to a secondary inspection where agents discovered multiple bricks of cocaine worth approximately $625,000.

 

Wilcox Station agents working at the State Highway 191 checkpoint made a similar find when a canine team located approximately 100 pounds of marijuana hidden throughout a vehicle. Following the driver’s arrest, the narcotics, valued at about $50,000, and vehicle were seized for evidence.

 

Both smugglers face possible federal prosecution.

 

Specially trained Border Patrol canines prove highly valuable in searches for hidden people and narcotics.

 

Every canine working in the field first undergoes a rigorous selection and instruction process, followed by weeks of specialized training with their assigned handler. Specialty teams provide the Border Patrol a way to customize their rapid response tactics to ensure safer border communities.

 

Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling (877) 872-7435 toll free.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "U.S. Customs and Border Protection Announces Two New Centers of Excellence and Expertise"

"Washington — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Acting Commissioner David V. Aguilar announced today the expansion of the Centers of Excellence and Expertise (CEE), which will create a center for Automotive and Aerospace in Detroit and one for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Minerals in Houston.

 

These virtual centers will provide one-stop processing to lower the Trade’s cost of business, provide greater consistency and predictability, and enhance CBP enforcement efforts. The Centers represent CBP’s expanded focus on “Trade in the 21st Century,” transforming customs procedures to align with modern business. By having the Centers focus on industry-specific issues, CBP is able to provide tailored support to unique trading environments.

 

“I am proud to announce the expansion of this initiative. These centers bring all of CBP’s trade expertise to bear on a single industry in one strategic location,” said Acting Commissioner Aguilar. “They provide tailored support to increase uniformity across ports of entry, facilitate the timely resolution of trade compliance issues nationwide, and strengthen critical agency knowledge of key industry practices.”

 

The CEEs will bring all of CBP's trade expertise to bear on a single industry in a strategic location. They will be staffed with numerous trade positions using account management principles that are able to authoritatively facilitate trade issues. The CEEs will also serve as resources to the broader trade community and to CBP’s U.S. government partners.

 

Center personnel will answer questions, provide information and develop trade facilitation strategies to address uniformity and compliance concerns. They will also serve as a single point of processing for businesses enrolled in CBP’s trusted shipper programs: the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and Importer Self-Assessment (ISA).

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers Seize Over $1.3 Million in Cocaine at Brownsville Port of Entry"

(Read similar story and the observation of a regional/local cop in Eagle County on the cycles of drug trafficking and cartels and how their 'business' affects the folks from Aspen to Vail by clicking here and meeting 'Tucker, the drug-sniffing dog')  

"Brownsville, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge discovered cocaine valued at over $1,328,000 hidden within a Nissan and concealed under a traveler’s clothing.

 

On Thursday, at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge, CBP officers encountered a 2012 Nissan Tiida being driven by a 25-year-old man accompanied by his sister, identified as a 21-year-old, both Mexico citizens and residents of Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. At primary a CBP officer referred the Nissan and its occupants for a secondary examination. In secondary CBP officers discovered 16 packages hidden within the Tiida. CBP officers removed the packages containing approximately 39.3 pounds of alleged cocaine.

 

The second case this weekend also occurred at Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge. On Saturday CBP officers working northbound inspections came in contact with a male Mexico citizen as he arrived at the port of entry as a pedestrian. The man, identified as a 19-year-old resident of Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico was selected and escorted to a secondary inspection. In secondary CBP officers discovered two packages concealed under his clothing. CBP officers removed the two packages which held a combined total weight of 2.2 pounds of alleged cocaine.

 

The alleged cocaine from these two seizures has an estimated street value of approximately $1,257,600 and $70,400 respectively. CBP officers turned the driver, passenger and pedestrian over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation. CBP officers seized the narcotics and the vehicle.

 

“These loads of alleged cocaine have been stopped at the border by our CBP officers protecting our homeland. I applaud our officers’ vigilance and thank them for their dedication to our nations’ security,” said Michael Freeman, CBP Port Director, Brownsville Port of Entry.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "Smugglers Continue to Endanger Lives"

"Tucson, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents have seen an increase during the past few weeks in the number of incidents involving smugglers concealing illegal aliens in vehicle trunks. It’s dangerous and has proven fatal in some cases.

 

“Trunk smuggling” is an age-old method of concealing contraband – or people – in a vehicle’s trunk in hopes the crime will go undetected by law enforcement. Our experienced agents have engaged in targeted enforcement operations which resulted in the rescue of 25 illegal aliens locked in vehicle trunks throughout the state last month.

 

Trunk smuggling illustrates the disregard smugglers have for human life. Often, illegal immigrants learn this the hard way after they agree to be smuggled into the United States. Entering the country illegally is inherently dangerous; even more so when individuals partner with profit-focused smugglers.

 

“The Border Patrol recognizes the dangers associated with human smuggling,” said Manuel Padilla, Jr., Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Tucson Sector Border Patrol. “We stand ready with our partners to identify, target and dismantle these criminal organizations that pose a risk to citizens on both sides of the border.”

CBP welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling (877) 872-7435 toll free.

 

 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "CBP Seizes 2 Tons of Marijuana During Cinco De Mayo Weekend"

"El Paso, Texas -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the El Paso area ports of entry seized 4,227 pounds of marijuana this weekend. The drugs were seized in 10 enforcement actions and have a combined estimated street value of $3,381,600.

“CBP officers remain vigilant and focused on the mission which this weekend unveiled a variety of smuggling attempts including a cargo shipment, a tour bus and a juvenile,” said acting CBP El Paso Port Director of Field Operations David Higgerson.

The largest seizure of the weekend was made Saturday at the Ysleta international crossing commercial cargo lot at the El Paso port of entry. The seizure was made shortly after 2 p.m. when a flatbed trailer hauling a load of irrigation equipment entered the compound from Mexico. CBP officers directed the vehicle to an x-ray unit which showed an anomaly. A CBP drug sniffing dog searched the vehicle and alerted. CBP officers removed 2,566 pounds of marijuana from the shipment. The drugs were concealed in metal canisters that were hidden inside the equipment. No arrests were made and the investigation continues.

 

While anti-terrorism is the primary mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the inspection process at the ports of entry associated with this mission results in impressive numbers of enforcement actions in all categories.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."

SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "CBIG, CCSF Law Enforcement Authorities Seize 154 kilos of Cocaine off the North Coast of Puerto Rico; Two Aliens Arrested"

"San Juan, Puerto Rico – Caribbean Border Interagency Group (CBIG) law enforcement authorities, working in support of the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force (CCSF), arrested 2 smugglers, seizing a boat and a drug shipment of approximately 154 kilos (339.5 pounds) of cocaine during a maritime interdiction early Friday evening off the northern coast of Dorado, Puerto Rico.

 

The estimated street value is over $3.7 million.

 

Near midnight Thursday evening, a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) marine patrol aircraft detected a suspicious22’ single-engine “yola” type vessel traveling east without navigational lights about 10 nautical miles north off the coast of Dorado, Puerto Rico.

 

The CBP marine patrol aircraft contacted Puerto Rico Police Department Joint Forces of Rapid Action (FURA, for its Spanish Acronym) marine units, patrolling with a CBP Border Patrol agent onboard, to interdict the suspect vessel.

 

Upon noticing their detection and a FURA Police unit starting pursuit, the individuals on the suspect vessel started to throw bales to the water, landing in a beach within the municipalityof Dorado.

 

CBP Border Patrol Agents and FURA Police agents searched the Dorado beach and arrested 2 individuals, who claimed to be citizens of the Dominican Republic.

 

A FURA Police marine unit recovered 6 bales containing an undetermined number of bricks of suspected narcotics. A field test proved positive for cocaine.

 

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents took custody of the narcotics for further investigation.

 

The two aliens will be charged with violation of Title 8 United States Code, Section 1326 for re- entering after being previously removed.

 

This is the second incident near the coast of Dorado in a 30 day period where Federal and State authorities prevent a smuggling event. On the evening hours of Thursday April 12, CBIG law enforcement arrested six Dominican smugglers and seized 322 pounds of cocaine and 19 pounds of heroin off the northern coast of Dorado, Puerto Rico.

 

Caribbean Corridor Strike Force (CCSF) is an initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office created to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations operating in the Caribbean. CCSF is a part of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) that investigates South American-based drug trafficking organizations responsible for the movement of multi-kilogram quantities of narcotics utilizing the Caribbean as a transshipment point for further distribution to the United States. The initiative is composed by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, ICE HSI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Coast Guard and PRPD’s FURA.

 

CBIG was formally created to unify efforts of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the United States Attorney ‘ s Office, District of Puerto Rico, and Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid action (FURA) in their common goal of securing Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands against illegal maritime traffic and gaining control of our nation’s Caribbean borders.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Yahoo News "Border Patrol chief unveils new plan to address illegal immigration"

Liz Goodwin:
"Border Patrol Chief Michael Fisher said at a House Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing Tuesday that the country's 21,000 Border Patrol agents will refocus on information and intelligence gathering in the agency's new four-year strategy. The agency will also try to develop a better measurement for whether it is successfully keeping the border safe. Right now, the Border Patrol relies on how many people it has caught trying to cross the border as its main measure of success, but Fisher conceded that this "apprehension" figure doesn't show how many people are crossing undetected.

Fisher said the agents will more proactively communicate with people who live on the border, teaching them how to spot suspicious activity and potential drug runners. The Border Patrol will also increase the use of unmanned aircraft and helicopter flights to help it spot illegal activity...."
(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "CBP U.S. Border Patrol Spokane Sector Agents Seize Cocaine Valued Over $800,000"

"Metaline Falls, Wash. - CBP Spokane Sector Border Patrol agents arrested two Canadian Citizens, one Mexican National and seized approximately 80 pounds of cocaine this week near Metaline Falls, Washington. The estimated value of the cocaine is $801,020. This narcotics seizure was the result of effective tactical planning and active patrolling of remote border trails by Border Patrol agents in the field.
 
Agents encountered the suspects and contraband approximately 11 miles north of Metaline Falls, Washington in the Salmo Mountain area. One of the suspects hid from agents and was tracked out the next day in a snow storm with critical support from the Office of Air and Marine, Spokane Air Branch.

 

“This seizure and arrests are a direct result of the coordinated efforts between our CBP Border Patrol agents and Air Interdiction agents in support of our national security mission," said Gloria Chavez, Chief of the Spokane Border Patrol Sector. “It’s this kind of daily commitment, combined with specialized skills, that drives our agents to successfully interdict the flow of illicit contraband as we protect our border communities.”

 

All seized contraband and suspects were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for further processing.

 

CBP’s U.S. Border Patrol Spokane Sector has the mission of protecting our nation’s borders, between the official ports of entry, by deterring, detecting and apprehending terrorists and/or terrorist weapons. Agents continue to enforce all laws relating to trans-national threats which include the smuggling narcotics and human contraband.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Patrol "CBP, EU Sign C-TPAT Mutual Recognition Decision"

"Washington — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the European Union (EU) signed today a Mutual Recognition Decision between CBP’s Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program and the EU’s Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program.

 

CBP Acting Commissioner David V. Aguilar and Director-General Heinz Zourek, European Union Taxation and Customs Union Directorate (TAXUD) signed the decision, which recognizes compatibility between the EU and the U.S. cargo security programs. The signing marks a milestone in the CBP-EU relationship, completing the original U.S.-EU work program. In the future, both customs authorities will treat members of the other customs authority the same way it treats its own program members.

 

“I can look back with pride on the considerable work that was completed by CBP and TAXUD to make this effort come to fruition and that we always maintained the necessary focus on security throughout the process,” said Acting Commissioner Aguilar.

 

“Today's decision on the mutual recognition of the EU and U.S. trade partnership programmes is a win-win achievement: It will save time and money for trusted operators on both sides of the Atlantic while it will allow customs authorities to concentrate their resources on risky consignments and better facilitate legitimate trade,” said Director-General Zourek.

 

C-TPAT is a voluntary government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen and improve overall international supply chain and U.S. border security. C-TPAT recognized that U.S. Customs and Border Protection can provide the highest level of cargo security only through close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the international supply chain such as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers.

 

AEO is a foreign partnership program that is used as a risk-assessment tool, provides less redundancy and duplication efforts, helps provide a common standard for trade facilitation, and allows for better transparency by providing closer collaboration among Customs Administrations and between Customs administrations and their partnership program companies.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "U.S. Customs And Border Protection Officers Seize Nearly $477,000 In Cocaine At South Texas Port Of Entry"

"Brownsville, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Los Indios International Bridge on Monday discovered cocaine valued at approximately $476,800 concealed within a Dodge Stratus.

On Monday, April 30, CBP officers at the Los Indios International Bridge stopped a female driving a white 2006 Dodge Stratus for a primary inspection. The driver, identified as a 42-year-old female citizen of Mexico who resides in Santa Maria, Texas, was referred to secondary for further inspection. Examination by CBP officers in secondary revealed six hidden packages concealed within the vehicle's battery. CBP officers removed the packages from the vehicle which had a combined total weight of 14.9 pounds of alleged cocaine.

 

The alleged cocaine from this seizure has an estimated street value of approximately $476,800. CBP officers turned the woman over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation. CBP officers seized the narcotics and the vehicle.

 

“Observational training has resulted in CBP officers stopping the dangerous narcotics from entering the country.” said CBP Port Director Michael Freeman. “This seizure and arrest exemplifies the outstanding work being done by CBP officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry each and every day.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs; Customs and Border Protection "CBP in Los Angeles Seizes $40 Million in Meth Chemicals Bound for Mexico"

"Los Angeles — U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) aggressive enforcement posture against Mexican drug trafficking organizations continue bringing record-breaking drugs seizures beyond the land border, at U.S. airports and seaports.

 

CBP officers at an air cargo consignment facility of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) seized two shipments of 80 bags, containing 5,700 pounds of methylamine chloride, a known chemical that is used as a precursor to methamphetamine. If used to make methamphetamine, the street value of this seizure is $40 million.

The shipments arrived from China on April 19 and 23, with a final destination in central Mexico. Samples of the white powdery chemical were positively identified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as methylamine chloride, a List 1 controlled substance.

 

“Once again, we take enormous pride in the exceptional caliber of our officers in intercepting these drug precursors from Asia and preventing their reaching the cartels in Mexico,” said Todd C. Owen, CBP Director of Field Operations, Los Angeles. “The alertness and attention to duty is vital to the mission of CBP in protecting the homeland from all harm, including that of dangerous drugs.”

 

Methylamine chloride is a corrosive, flammable, strong-odor chemical. In one pathway, it is essential to manufacture methamphetamine and ecstasy. Methylamine chloride is a List 1 controlled substance by the DEA with many legitimate industrial applications in pesticides, solvents and pharmaceutical products.

 

Suppliers of these products are subject to regulations and control measures. The Controlled Substances Act establishes parameters and strict rules on the manufacture, importation, use and distribution of controlled substances.

 

On a typical day in fiscal year 2011, CBP seized 13,717 pounds of drugs nationwide.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."