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."
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart