C.B.P. News Release

U.S. Border Patrol Initiatives Lead to Successes in Vermont
Additional Personnel, Technology and Infrastructure Cited

(Thursday, October 23, 2008)

Swanton, Vt. - U.S. Border Patrol Swanton Sector Chief Patrol Agent Daniel B. Doty released enforcement statistics and significant accomplishments for the recently completed 2008 fiscal year.

Swanton sector reported that for fiscal year 2008, Border Patrol agents arrested 1,282 illegal aliens, seized 5,878 pounds of marijuana and over $2 million in currency. Chief Doty pointed to the effectiveness of the Border Patrol’s national strategy of placing the right combination of personnel, technology, and infrastructure along the nation’s borders as key to gaining operation control of the border.

As part of this national strategy, Swanton sector has increased the authorized number of agents assigned to Swanton Sector. This personnel increase has not only allowed Swanton Sector to patrol the border more effectively, but to also participate in many significant, joint law enforcement operations.

Partnerships with the Franklin County Drug Task force and the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office resulted in the seizure of 1,765 pounds of hydroponic marijuana as well as $4.15 million. Also seized were 11 motor vehicles, one motor home and two boats. Additionally, 49 people were ultimately taken into custody by state, local and federal officers.

In a multi-lateral investigation, the Swanton Sector intelligence unit, Border Patrol agents, Royan Canadian Mounted Police, ICE, and the US Attorney’s office charge six individuals with conspiracy to smuggle hundreds of aliens from Korea into the United States through Canada. These agencies also partnered in a separate alien smuggling case which charged five individuals with conspiracy to smuggle 100 illegal aliens into the United States over a three year period.

Swanton sector continues to close unguarded border roads and test new technologies to assess their operational effectiveness in the harsh climate of the northern border.

The increased presence and effectiveness of the Border Patrol has frustrated smugglers and criminal organizations as they attempt to circumvent law enforcement. This frustration has lead to an increase in border violence and assaults not just in Swanton sector, but across the nation as well.

Chief Patrol Agent Doty commended the men and women of Swanton Sector for “their continued dedication and daily sacrifice as they go about their mission of securing our nation’s border.â€