Pubdate: Mon, 04 Feb 2002 Source: Messenger-Inquirer (KY) Copyright: 2002 Messenger-Inquirer Contact: http://www.messenger-inquirer.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1285 INCREASED AIRPORT SECURITY COINCIDES WITH REDUCED DRUG TRAFFIC HEBRON, Ky. -- Drug-related arrests and seizures have dropped dramatically at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport since security was stepped up in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, officials say. "I think it's fair to say, given the increased security, we're seeing fewer drug couriers using the airports to carry drugs," said Gregory Van Tatenhove, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. David Fessler, an attorney who often represents alleged drug traffickers from the airport, said he has seen a big drop in the number of cases in the past few months. Steve Howe, another defense attorney, said ever since airport security required definitive identification of all passengers, drug smugglers have looked for other ways to transport their wares. "It would seem to me that with all the stepped-up security at the airport, those inclined to bring drugs illegally through the airport are not doing so now," Fessler said. "I'm sure there's another way they are getting here." Law enforcement officials who patrol Kentucky's roads say that is, indeed, the case. Just last week, Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement officers in Franklin, on the Kentucky-Tennessee border, became suspicious of a trucker who said he was hauling an empty trailer from California to Indiana. When they searched his truck, they found nearly 60 pounds of cocaine and $600,000, believed to be the largest drug bust ever on Kentucky highways. "I haven't seen any changes," said Jim Paine, the director of the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force, which concentrates on street-level sales. "If anything, our workload has increased." The increased security at airports has made officers more aware of the potential of drug runners to use the highways, said Maj. David Herald, head of special operations for the enforcement division. "They're doing a better job of interviewing," Herald said. "I think better investigations are being done at the roadside -- they're asking more questions and finding out what's happening." Authorities say they don't have firm numbers to back up their suspicions of less drug traffic at the airport. Chuck Melville, the northern Kentucky airport's chief of police, is certain the random search of bags and other measures haven't wiped out drug trafficking there completely. "Airport interdiction had been successful to a degree," Melville said. "We see a move toward highways and shipping (drugs) through freight carriers." But that trend began even before Sept. 11 and the increased airport security that followed. And while dealers may be steering clear of the airport, Melville said, people still are trying to sneak a few ounces of pot into their suitcases to take back home. "We've made some good cases, and we have seen a decline in the number of people flying in with large amounts of drugs," he said. "We're still finding drugs, but they're more on the user level." - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart