Looks like a good story for Lou Dobbs.
~~~

Anti-smuggling program at ports already showing results after only 5 weeks
Cocaine, weapons, counterfeit goods seized
By Art Marroquin Staff Writer
Posted: 12/04/2008 04:46:44 PM PST


A new law enforcement task force charged with thwarting smugglers at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach has confiscated 140 pounds of cocaine, 50 weapons and $25 million worth of counterfeit goods in just five weeks.

The multiagency Border Enforcement Security Task Force, or BEST, quietly started inspecting suspicious ships and busting illegal weapons and drug traffickers at the twin port complex in October, but finally made its public debut on Thursday.

The group's goal, according to authorities, is to seize contraband before it hits the streets.

"Every time I drive through this port, it is an ominous feeling when you see container after container and know that the public is relying on us to make sure that nothing nefarious makes it in to affect the citizens of this country," said Robert Schoch, special agent in charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Los Angeles.

"Significant criminal activity at either of these ports could cause a disruption that would have devastating consequences to the nation's economy," he said. "By joining and pooling our resources we can build on the current efforts in deterring illegal activity here and safeguard this vital commercial hub."

The Los Angeles BEST program, housed on Terminal Island, is comprised of 17 officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Secret Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Air Marshal Service, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Los Angeles Port Police and the California Highway Patrol.

Authorities first started the BEST program in 2006 as a way to capture drug smugglers along the nation's southern border, from San Diego to Texas. The Los Angeles unit represents the first time BEST has been deployed at a seaport, but similar operations are planned for ports in Miami, New York and Newark, N.J.

"Prior to the launch of this BEST program, I was very concerned in many ways about weaknesses in the homeland security effort at this port, and I think those weaknesses have been largely plugged by this program," said Chief William McSweeney of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's homeland security office.

Los Angeles' BEST program is already showing results at the twin ports, which handle more than 40 percent of the nation's goods.

Just last month, three Mexican nationals were arrested when the agency uncovered more than 140 pounds of cocaine with a street value of $16 million hidden inside concrete cylinders. The drugs were being shipped from Mexico, through the Port of Los Angeles and on to Australia when authorities made the discovery and thwarted an international trafficking ring, according to Schoch.

In a separate case, the BEST task force seized more than 50 weapons destined for Mexico, including a grenade launcher, nearly a dozen assault rifles and a sawed-off rifle. Three people were arrested and the investigation is ongoing, Schoch said.

Over the last four weeks, the new team also intercepted 15 cargo cargo containers filled with counterfeit shoes, purses and other items imported from China worth $26 million.

"They weren't up for very long and, as you can see, within a few weeks, they were already able to put contraband, drugs and guns out of service, and that's a major accomplishment for us in law enforcement," said Los Angeles Port Police Chief Ron Boyd.

"Going forward, some of our major challenges will be in human smuggling and cargo theft, areas we have been working diligently on," Boyd said. "But now with the progress from this group, I am convinced we will make great strides in the future and be able to protect this country against terrorism."

http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11140303