Pubdate: Fri, 07 Feb 2003
Source: Standard Freeholder (Cornwall, CN ON)
Copyright: 2003 Osprey Media Group Inc
Contact:  http://www.standard-freeholder.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1169
Author: Terri Saunders

IBET STIFLING BORDER SMUGGLING

Local News - A team of law enforcement agents has taken a huge bite out of 
border smuggling over the past year.

The Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) of Cornwall and Massena has 
seized more than $7 million worth of illegal drugs and property since it 
was first set up in February 2002, while cracking down on people smuggling 
at the same time.

"The number of people smuggled into the United States in our area has 
decreased tremendously in the past three years," said Dick Ashlaw, patrol 
agent in charge of border control in Massena.

The team consists of representatives from more than a dozen area agencies, 
including the RCMP, the Cornwall Community Police Service, the Akwesasne 
Mohawk Police Service, the U.S. Border Patrol, New York State Police and 
both Canadian and American customs agencies.

"The law enforcement agencies in this area gradually learned to work 
together and realized that team work is the key to our success," said 
Ashlaw. "We could not do our work without one another and our communities."

Patrols are done in conjunction with U.S. authorities to maximize impact on 
both sides of the international border. When a smuggler is attempting to 
cross the border from the Canadian side, U.S. authorities are alerted 
immediately and are waiting for the vessel in United States waters.

If the smuggler returns into Canadian waters, local team members are ready 
to apprehend the vessel. As a result, team members say, smugglers have 
absolutely nowhere to go.

"The amount of seizures is an indication the team has been very, very 
successful," said Staff Sgt. Luc Brunet of the Cornwall police. "We 
participate with the team's marine unit, and we contribute our officers 
when they have special enforcement requirements. The team has used our K-9 
unit and we have participated in intelligence surveillance."

According to intelligence reports, human smuggling has diminished 
considerably along the St. Lawrence Valley border, team members say. 
Although drugs and contraband are commonly smuggled items, the illegal 
movement of people across the border has been a concern for the team.

"The way I view it, the illegal movement of any commodity across the 
international border provides a training ground for those that may want to 
smuggle other items," said RCMP Supt. Mike McDonell, officer in charge of 
Cornwall detachment.

The IBET is testing a new communication system which enables authorities 
from both countries to communicate with each other via their current radio 
systems. In addition, several technological tools such as sensors and 
tracking devices are also being used to identify smuggling activities and 
patterns.

"Integration is a learning experience," said Sgt. Gilles Tougas, who heads 
up the Cornwall and Massena team, "and we are getting better at it everyday."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens