Thread: Seven Chinese immigrants picked up early morning sting in NY

http://www.tonawanda-news.com/story.asp?id=3653

Cops nab illegal aliens at Gratwick: Seven Chinese immigrants picked up early morning sting
Jay Skurski
Tuesday, October 18, 2005

Fishermen in the Niagara River helped local law enforcement catch more than just fish Monday morning.

Acting on a tip from local anglers, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency, along with officers from the North Tonawanda Police Department, caught seven illegal aliens from China and two smugglers during a sting at North Tonawanda’s Gratwick/Riverside Park boat docks. In addition, 35 pounds of hydroponic marijuana with a street value of $170,000 was seized, according to a press release.

“This is an example of law enforcement and the public working together to protect the home front,� said Ed Duda, acting Border Patrol chief at the Buffalo Customs office.

The names of those arrested have not yet been released, as interpreters need to be brought in, according to Duda. That should be done within the next three days, he said.

The investigation began when fishermen reported seeing suspicious boat traffic near the park and contacted the Buffalo Customs office in the Town of Tonawanda. They then notified members of the Niagara Frontier Integrated Border Enforcement Team in the United States and Canada.

A small motorboat was observed entering the United States and docking at Gratwick Park, according to the release. After docking, five aliens were seen exiting the boat and trying to enter a vehicle parked near the dock. Two passengers in the waiting vehicle then entered the boat with the intention of illegally returning to Canada, according to the release.

A waiting customs boat responded and blocked the boat from departing. After a short foot chase, the nine suspects were taken into custody about 8 a.m.

The smugglers, one a Canadian citizen and the other a naturalized U.S. citizen, now face federal alien and drug smuggling charges, according to the release.

Lt. Richard Andres and police officers Wayne Salefske, Thomas Swartz and Ed Smolinski from the NT Police Department assisted in the arrest, according to chief Randy Szukala.

“We received information of illegal aliens coming from the U.S. to Canada and were asked to assist,� the chief said.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canada Border Services Agency officials seized a vehicle and boat trailer on the Canadian side of the border in connection with the incident, according to the release.

Duda said cooperation between the various government agencies on both sides of the border led to the successful operation.

“There’s significant amount of drugs and aliens here,� he said. “I’m happy all these agencies are working together.�

The public is encouraged to call in suspicious activity to the Customs’ international toll-free number, 1-800-331-0353.

“People need to keep their eyes and ears open,� Duda said.

Contact Jay Skurski at (716) 693-1000, Ext. 117.
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The public is encouraged to call in suspicious activity to the Customs’ international toll-free number, 1-800-331-0353.

And then get called vigilantes, racist and all other kind of BS just for being vigilant. Maybe they will start calling us Tattle Tails, next