Truck drivers smuggling drugs, people will lose drivers' licenses
By Brandi Grissom / Austin Bureau
Article Launched: 06/19/2008 11:14:34 AM MDT


Carlos Carrillo, foreground, chief U.S Border Patrol Agent, Laredo sector, speaks during a news conference Thursday, June 19, 2008, in Austin, Texas. Gov. Rick Perry, left, joined with U.S. Border Patrol sector chiefs and the Texas Department of Public Safety to announce a joint federal-state law enforcement effort that cracks down on commercial vehicle operators who knowing smuggle across the state's border with Mexico. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck) AUSTIN -- Truck drivers convicted of smuggling drugs or people into Texas will lose their commercial drivers' licenses in a new border security initiative Gov. Rick Perry announced today.
"Mexican crime syndicates have changed their tactics," Perry said. "They're losing money. They're looking for new loopholes to exploit, and their latest target are truckers."

Standing with U.S. Border Patrol sector chiefs from Texas, Perry said that cartels have started coercing commercial truck drivers into hauling narcotics and humans. Starting now, he said, Texas will aggressively pursue drivers who fall prey to that temptation and permanently revoke their commercial drivers' licenses.

Already this year, Perry said, Border Patrol agents have caught 423 tractor trailers with more than 1,800 undocumented immigrants and more than 112,000 pounds of drugs.

"Border security is a serious issue, and we must enforce the appropriate consequences on those who knowingly violate our laws and hinder our efforts to protect our citizens," he said.







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