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Cargo Security Summit Targets Gang Theft

Top agenda talking point at The 2006 Cargo Security Legislative Summit January 25 & 26, 2006 will be the growing threat from violent gangs that prey upon motorized cargo.

Sponsored by Florida Statewide Commercial Vehicle Cargo Theft Task Force, Florida Trucking Association and the International Cargo Security Council, the event focuses mainly on truck security, but touches at several points vital to air cargo.

CSLS is being held at Ramada Inn-Tallahassee, Florida, 2900 North Monroe, Tallahassee, FL 32303.

Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, smuggles drugs, humans and guns from El Salvador through Mexico into the United States.

The gang is so tough that it has added U.S. Border Patrol agents on its hit list.

Currently MS-13 has about 10,000 members in 31 U.S. states.

The Legislative Cargo Security Summit will include an FBI update on the growing threat of MS-13 to officers on the street.

Marion Florida Sheriff Capt. Tommy Bibb, one of the event organizers told The Star Banner, the Ocala, Florida newspaper, “They (MS-13) are known for their violence toward law enforcement officers.

"With a growing number of law enforcement officers out there tracking down cargo thieves, they need to be aware of MS-13.

"This gang could also be dangerous for our agents tracking cargo crimes."

Each year, at least $10 billion of cargo is stolen from warehouses, 18-wheelers and ship containers.

“The conference is a way for agencies from all around the USA to get together and discuss issues in hopes of reducing the national crisis of cargo theft.�

The International Cargo Security Council is an association of professionals active in intermodal transportation and supply chain security.

More info: Captain Thomas Bibb, Marion County Sheriff's Department, (352) 368-3543, tbibb@marionso.com or ICSC 410-571-7913.