Pubdate: Fri, 27 Nov 2009 Source: El Paso Times (TX) Copyright: 2009 El Paso Times Contact: http://www.elpasotimes.com/formnewsroom Website: http://www.elpasotimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/829 SMUGGLING: TRUCKS BECOMING CONDUIT FOR DRUGS A program that was supposed to make truckers' border crossings speedier and more secure is apparently having the opposite affect. Under the U.S. program, companies agree to embrace certain security measures, such as putting their workers through background checks, track where their trucks are going and have secure, fenced-in facilities. The theory is that with tight security in place where the trucks are loaded, there's less chance of smugglers getting in on the action. This enables the trucks to stop for as little as 20 seconds when entering the United States. That's a good thing because it speeds up commerce. At the border, nine of every 10 trucks enrolled in the program cross the border without any inspection of their cargo. But, according to a recent Associated Press story, among the trucks that are inspected, U.S. government agents have found multiple loads of contraband. That includes the April discovery in El Paso of more than four tons of marijuana in a truck carrying auto parts. It's relatively simple for the smugglers and drug gangs to identify which trucks are part of the program. And those are the trucks they want to use, because they have a better chance of getting across the border uninspected. Then all the smugglers have to do is target the drivers of those trucks. When the drivers are offered the choice of taking a bribe or possibly being killed, the decision isn't really difficult for most. Obviously, the plan, ponderously named the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, and run by Customs and Border Protection, isn't working as envisioned and a lot of work remains to be done. Rules of the program need to be tightened and there needs to be more security from factory to border. International trade with Mexico is a vital part of the U.S. economy. But international trade with Mexico must not become a conduit for smugglers and drug dealers. Drug traffickers are quite creative and will find any way they can to ply their trade. International trucking cannot be allowed to become an ongoing part of their plans. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D