News Magazine May 2015

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

Page1

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

‫מקסיקו‬-‫תפישת מזומנים מוסלקים ברכב במעבר הגבול ארה"ב‬

CBP Officers Seize $150K in Unreported U.S.
Currency at Hidalgo International Bridge

Release Date: April 13, 2016
HIDALGO, Texas—Officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field
Operations (OFO) working outbound operations at the Hidalgo International Bridge arrested a
man from Roma, Texas after discovering $150,202 in unreported U.S. currency within the
vehicle he was driving.
―Our ability to deploy officers at the outbound lanes (going into Mexico), allows CBP Field
Operations to target travelers who may be attempting to circumvent reporting requirements of
merchandise or currency,‖ said Port Director Efrain Solis Jr., Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of
Entry. ―People who choose not to comply with export regulations may be conducting business in
an illicit manner and CBP will assert its authority to safeguard against these types of violations.‖

Stacks containing a total of $150,202 in unreported currency seized by CBP officers at
Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry during an outbound examination

CBP officers working outbound operations at the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge on April
11, encountered a 33-year-old male U.S. citizen driving a silver GMC Terrain SUV at the lanes
the exit into Mexico. After the primary inspection, the driver and vehicle were referred for
further examination and it was there that officers discovered four packages of U.S. currency
hidden within the cargo area of the SUV.

Page2

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

K9 ‫ זיהוי‬-‫ הסלקה בתחתית הרכב‬-‫תפישת סמים‬

Narcotics Seized by U.S. Border Patrol

Release Date:

April 13, 2016
TEMECULA, Calif.—A vehicle stop by U.S. Border Patrol agents Tuesday morning in
Temecula led to the arrest of a 39-year-old man for smuggling a variety of narcotics valued at
more than $700 thousand dollars.
The seizure took place at about 10:15 a.m., when agents stopped the male driver of a 2004
Nissan Maxima on northbound Interstate 15 near the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint. After
agents interviewed the driver, a Border Patrol K-9 conducted a search and alerted agents to the
vehicle.

The mix of narcotics
are worth an
estimated $717,220.

Agents conducted a
further search of the
vehicle and
discovered 34 bundles
of narcotics stashed
inside secret
compartments that
were built beneath the
vehicle’s floor boards.

The bundles
contained 4.25
pounds of brown
heroin, 11.73 pounds
of white heroin, 7.21 pounds of cocaine, and 32.21 pounds of crystal methamphetamine. The
total estimated street value of the narcotics was $717,220.

San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Richard Barlow said, ―Without a doubt, this seizure was a
significant blow to the criminal organization that was accountable for the narcotics. This seizure
could not have taken place without the vigilance demonstrated by the involved agents.‖

The narcotics and the suspected smuggler were turned over to a task force headed by the Drug
Enforcement Administration. The Nissan Maxima was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

Page3

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬ Page4
ITA Representative, NY

‫ פעילות אכיפה בנמל רוצ'סטר ארה"ב‬-‫קניין רוחני‬

Rochester CBP Seizes More Than $1 Million in
Counterfeit Merchandise

Release Date:

April 18, 2016
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations at the
Port of Rochester announced today that officers have made over 350 seizures in the past six
months, valued at more than $1 million.
―Our officers and import specialists have done an excellent job targeting shipments and
identifying counterfeit items,‖ said Acting Director Rose Hilmey of the Buffalo Field Office.
―CBP protects businesses and consumers every day with an aggressive intellectual property
rights enforcement
program.‖

A wide range of
counterfeit products
were seized,
including counterfeit
sports jerseys,
clothing, gaming
system accessories,
purses and bags,
vehicle airbags,
sunglasses, and
perfume. Products
infringed on brands
including Chanel, Michael Kors, Adidas, Oakley, NFL, NHL, MLB, Gucci, along with others.

In February 2016, The Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 was signed into
law which highlighted IPR as a priority trade initiative.

Products that infringe on U.S. trademarks, copyrights, and patents threaten the health and safety
of American consumers, the economy, and national security. CBP and U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations continue IPR enforcement against
illicit imports.

"Criminal groups involved in the distribution of these inferior products are stealing from
Americans and harming legitimate businesses— not to mention putting the consumer’s health
and safety at great risk," said HSI Special Agent in Charge James Spero of the Buffalo Office.
"Working side-by-side with CBP, we can continue to disrupt the flow of counterfeit goods
entering into the marketplace and protect American consumers and brand holders."

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

)JFK ‫תפישת קוקאין הסלקה בשקיות קפה (נמל‬

Cocaine Found in Bags of Coffee By CBP at JFK

Release Date:

April 15, 2016
JAMAICA, N.Y. — U. S. Customs and Border Protection officers in New York are always
discovering interesting concealment methods. Hiding cocaine in bags of coffee is another way
that one would-be smuggler attempted to transport illegal drugs into the United States.
On April 13, Ms. Sherese Lee Ann Drake, a Jamaican citizen, arrived at John F. Kennedy
International Airport from Montego Bay, Jamaica and presented herself for inspection. During
the examination of Ms. Drake’s suitcase, CBP officers removed a plastic coffee bag that
contained a white
powder.

Ms. Drake was escorted
to a private search room
where CBP officers
probed two bags of
coffee, all of which
contained a white
powder that tested
positive for cocaine.

In total, approximately 3
lbs. of cocaine was
seized; the estimated
street value is more than
$50,000.

―This seizure is another
example of our CBP
officers being ever
vigilant in protecting the
United States from the distribution of illicit drugs,‖ said Robert E. Perez, Director of CBP’s New
York Field Operations.

CBP officers placed her under arrest and turned her over to the Port Authority Police
Department. She now faces state narcotics smuggling charges and will be prosecuted by the
Queens District Attorney’s Office.

Page5

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

‫ על הגוף ובשלדות אופניים‬Meth ‫הסלקה‬

San Luis CBP Officers’ Weekend Not So Typical

Release Date:

April 19, 2016
TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Port of San Luis recently
arrested one woman with more than $16,000 in methamphetamine taped to her abdomen, and
two men on bicycles with approximately $1,500 worth of marijuana inside the bikes’ frames.

A San Luis, Ariz. woman was arrested by CBP officers at the Port of San Luis on Sunday (April
17) after it was determined she was carrying meth

A CBP officer working at the port on April 16 requested a canine inspection of two suspicious-
looking bicycles ridden by a 26-year-old male, and a 27-year-old male; both U.S. citizens. After
the canine alerted to an odor it was trained to detect, inspectors found three packages of
marijuana in each of the bicycle frames. The drugs had a combined weight of approximately
three pounds.

Both men, their bicycles and drugs were turned over to the San Luis Police Department.

On April 17, a CBP canine team working at the pedestrian crossing alerted to a 33-year-old San
Luis, Arizona San Luis, Arizona woman. Officers then conducted a personal search of the
subject and found a thick, plastic vacuum-sealed package shaped to her upper abdominal area.
Officers removed the package and, inside, discovered more than five pounds of
methamphetamine.

Officers turned the subject over to Homeland Security Investigations.

Page6

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬ Page7
ITA Representative, NY

‫תפישת הרואין מוסלק ברכב – תא מצבר‬

Eagle Pass CBP Officers Seize more than $300,000
Worth of Heroin at Port

April 19, 2016
EAGLE PASS, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Eagle Pass Port of
Entry detected narcotics in a battery of a vehicle as the driver attempted to make entry to the
United States over the weekend.

CBP officers retrieved four packages of
brown heroin concealed within the
battery of the vehicle.

―Smugglers will go to any extent to cross
any sizeable drug load,‖ said Port
Director John Brandt, Eagle Pass Port of
Entry. ―CBP officers used their training
and experience to deter the shipment from
making it to its intended destination.‖

At about 1:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 16,
CBP officers at Eagle Pass International
Bridge inspected a 2002 Dodge Caravan
driven by a legal permanent resident of
the U.S. and citizen of Mexico as it
arrived from Mexico. CBP officers
utilized a K-9 for inspection. CBP officers
retrieved four packages of brown heroin
concealed within the battery of the
vehicle. Officers seized a total of 14.31
pounds of brown heroin worth an
estimated $324,500.00.

The driver, a 47-year-old woman from
Eagle Pass, was arrested by CBP officers
and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigations.

The Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within U.S. Customs and Border
Protection tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at our nation’sports. CBP officers screen all
people, vehicles and goods entering the United States while facilitating the flow of legitimate
trade and travel. Their mission also includes carrying out border-related duties, including
narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration and trade laws, and protecting the nation's food
supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬ Page8
ITA Representative, NY

‫ הסלקה ברכב‬- ‫) סמים קשים‬4( ‫תפישות‬

CBP at Laredo Port of Entry Seizes Multiple Hard
Narcotics Loads Valued at $7.8 Million

Release Date: April 19, 2016
LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers recently seized a
significant amount of alleged hard narcotics in four separate enforcement actions at the Laredo
Port of Entry that carried a combined estimated value of $7,851,085.
"These multiple seizures totaling nearly $8 million in hard narcotics truly exemplify our CBP
officers’ hard work, experience and dedication to the CBP mission," said Port Director Gregory
Alvarez, Laredo Port of Entry.

Packages containing 42
pounds of heroin, 20
pounds of cocaine seized by
CBP officers at Laredo Port
of Entry
The two latest seizures
occurred on Tuesday, April
12, 2016. CBP officers at
Gateway to the Americas
Bridge seized 74 pounds of
methamphetamine hidden
within a 2006 Nissan
Altima driven by a 36-year-
old female Mexican citizen from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. In a separate case, CBP officers
seized 118 pounds of liquid methamphetamine hidden within a 2007 Ford F-150 pickup driven
by a 38-year-old-male, Mexican citizen from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. These seizures have a
combined estimated street value of $3,860,694.

On Monday, April 11, 2016, CBP officers at Lincoln-Juarez Bridge referred a 1994 Ford
Bronco driven by a 20-year-old-male, Mexican citizen from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas
to secondary for an intensive inspection. Upon further inspection of the vehicle a total of
six packages were removed from the vehicle. CBP officers seized total of 143.56 pounds of
alleged crystal methamphetamine. The narcotics carry an estimated street value of $2,871,271.

The first seizure occurred on Monday, April 11, 2016, when CBP officers at Colombia-Solidarity
Bridge referred a 2013 Dodge Attitude driven by a 36-year-old-male Mexican citizen to
secondary for further inspection. Utilizing a non-intrusive imaging system and canines, CBP
officers conducted a thorough examination and discovered 55 bundles allegedly containing
heroin and cocaine. CBP officers seized a total of 42 pounds of alleged heroin and 20 pounds of
alleged cocaine. The drugs carry a combined estimated street value of $1,119,120.

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

‫תפישת קוקאין – בתוך ארנק ומקטורן‬

Atlanta CBPArrests Woman, Seized Cocaine in
Jackets, Purses and Llama Skins.

Release Date:

April 19, 2016
ATLANTA -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta
International Airport (ATL) arrested a woman and seized nearly 15 pounds of cocaine on
Sunday.

Cocaine
concealed in
purses, jackets,
and llama skins
Atlanta airport
The female
passenger, a U.S.
citizen, arrived
from Lima, Peru
and was referred
to a secondary
examination.
During her
secondary
inspection, CBP
officers and Agriculture Specialist examined the baggage contents and discovered a white
powdery substance concealed in purses, jackets, and llama skins. That substance field-tested
positive for cocaine.

The cocaine weighed a total of 14.44 pounds, and had a street value of approximately $450,000.
CBP turned the individual over to Clayton County Police officers for local prosecution. ―This
cocaine seizure is an excellent example of the persistence displayed by our Customs and Border
Protection Officers and Agriculture Specialist to detect unique concealment methods, and to
intercept dangerous drugs at our nation’s ports of entry, ― said Devin Chamberlain, CBP’s Acting
Port Director for the Port of Atlanta. ―Narcotics interdiction remains a priority CBP enforcement
mission, one that we take very seriously.‖ Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants
are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Page9

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

)K9 ‫ הסלקה בכיסוי תקרת רכב (זיהוי‬-‫תפיסת מריחואנה‬

Douglas CBP Officers Seize $154K in Marijuana

Release Date:

April 20, 2016
TUCSON, Ariz. – Customs and Border Protection officers at the Raul Hector Castro Port of
Entry in Douglas, Arizona recently stopped two Mexican women for separate attempts to
smuggle a combined 309 pounds of marijuana worth more than $154,000.

More than 40 packages of marijuana were discovered within the headliner of a smuggling Page10
vehicle

After a CBP narcotics-detection canine alerted to a Pontiac sedan on April 19, driven by a 29-
year-old woman from Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, officers found more than 238 pounds of
marijuana worth in excess of $119,000.

On April 15, officers arrested a 27-year-old woman from Cananea, Sonora, Mexico after finding
nearly 71 pounds of marijuana in the headliner of her Jeep SUV. Officers found the drugs, worth

more than $35,000, with the help of a drug canine.

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬ Page11
ITA Representative, NY

‫הסלקת מריחואנה – פגוש רכב‬

El Paso Port of Entry CBP Officers Stop Eight
Drug Loads Tuesday

Release Date:

April 20, 2016
EL PASO, Texas -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers
working at the El Paso port of entry made eight drug seizures Tuesday. CBP officers seized 513
pounds of marijuana in seven enforcement actions and 17.4 pounds of cocaine in one additional
bust.
Drug bundles in
bumper.

―CBP officers remain
vigilant knowing the
smuggling threat
remains high in our
area,‖ said Beverly
Good, CBP El Paso
Port Director. ―Their
continued dedication to
duty stopped these drug
loads.‖
In one of the largest
seizures of the day CBP
officers working at the
Paso Del Norte
international crossing
seized 104.8 pounds of marijuana. Just before 9 a.m. CBP officers encountered a lone male
driving a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. A CBP officer at the primary inspection station selected the
vehicle for a secondary exam. CBP officers scanned the vehicle with the Z-portal x-ray system
and spotted anomalies in the appearance of the vehicle. A CBP drug sniffing dog searched the
car and alerted to narcotics in the bumper. CBP officers continued their exam and located 94
marijuana filled bundles in the cars bumpers.

CBP officers arrested the driver, 21-year-old Kim Netza Alvarado of El Paso, Texas. The driver
was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement HSI special agents to face
charges associated with the failed drug smuggling attempt.

While anti-terrorism is the primary mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the
inspection process at the ports of entry associated with this mission results in impressive
numbers of enforcement actions in all categories.

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

‫ במקל הליכה מעץ‬-‫איתור מזיק‬

CBP Logs Pest Interception at Hobby Airport

Release Date:

April 20, 2016
Traveler's walking stick harbors harmful pests
HOUSTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists working at Hobby
International Airport found live wood-boring insects nesting in a traveler’s walking stick, April
12.

CBP agriculture specialists in Houston find two
live insects nesting in a walking stick. Traveler
was unaware the walking stick she carried was
infested.

A female traveler, who arrived from Belize,
declared a wooden walking stick when she arrived
to Houston; she was then referred for a secondary
agriculture exam.

During the exam, agriculture specialists noted that
the walking stick she declared was an untreated
tree limb with evidence of insect activity.

CBP agriculture specialists discovered two live
insects that were later identified
asMonochamus sp. (Cerambycidae)
and Curculionidae sp.,both of which are wood-
boring pests that can have a serious impact on the
U.S. logging industry.
―We pride ourselves in the diligence and expertise of our agriculture specialists who work
tirelessly to intercept pests and plant diseases,‖ said CBP Port Director Charles G. Perez. ―The
agriculture mission is a huge aspect of the CBP mission, and incredibly important to the
American agriculture industry.‖

The walking stick was seized and destroyed.

CBP agriculture specialists have extensive training and experience in biological sciences, risk
analysis, and agriculture inspectional techniques. They are the first line of defense in the
protection of U.S. agriculture, forest and livestock industries from exotic plant pests and animal
diseases. Read more about CBP’s agriculture protection mission.

Page12

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

‫תפישת סמים מוסלקים ברכב‬

CBP Officers at Hidalgo International Bridge Seize
$322K in Narcotics

Release Date:

April 19, 2016
HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at
the Hidalgo International Bridge seized a combined $322,000 worth of alleged cocaine and
methamphetamine that was discovered within a vehicle driven by a man from Reynosa,
Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Bundles containing 25 pounds of
cocaine seized by CBP officers at
Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of
Entry

―The small load concept continues
to prevail within the seizures
accomplished by our frontline
officers assigned to the
international border crossings,‖
said Port Director Efrain Solis Jr.,
Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of
Entry. ―This is a good indication
that CBP Field Operations is
accomplishing its goal of deterring
smuggling of narcotics at the ports
of entry.‖

The seizure occurred on April 17 at the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge after CBP officers
encountered a 27-year-old male Mexican citizen driving a gray 2006 Lincoln Zephyr sedan.
While inspecting the vehicle in secondary and with the use of a non-intrusive imaging inspection
system, NII officers discovered packages of suspected narcotics hidden within the vehicle. CBP
officers removed 10 packages of alleged cocaine weighing approximately 25 pounds and three
packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing approximately six and one-half pounds. CBP
OFO seized the narcotics valued at approximately $190,000 for the cocaine, $132,000 for the
methamphetamine and seized the vehicle as well.
CBP OFO arrested the male traveler who was subsequently released to the custody of Homeland
Security Investigations (HSI) agents for further investigation.

Page13

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

)‫ תפישת סמים (הסלקה ברכב‬-‫מבצעי אכיפה‬

CBP at Brownsville Port of Entry Seizes 102
Pounds of Narcotics in Two Separate Enforcement
Actions at Gateway International Bridge

Release Date:

April 22, 2016
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Gateway
International Bridge recently seized 102 pounds of alleged marijuana in two separate
enforcement actions.
―These two seizures, are evidence
of the specialized training and
skills of our CBP officers and
exemplify the officers’ hard work
and dedication to CBP’s border
security mission by helping to
keeping narcotics out of our
nation,‖ said Port Director Petra
Horne, Brownsville Port of Entry.

The seizures took place on Apr. 18
and Apr. 19, when CBP officers
conducting primary enforcement
operations at the Gateway
International Bridge referred the
vehicles to secondary for intensive
inspections. The first load of
alleged marijuana was discovered when CBP officers at secondary conducted a thorough
examination of a green 2003 Pontiac Grand Am and discovered 53 packages of alleged
marijuana concealed within the vehicle. The second load of alleged marijuana consisted of 38
packages concealed within a maroon 1996 Honda Accord. The narcotics were discovered during
an intensive secondary inspections by CBP officers. The combined weight of the marijuana
from both seizures was 102 pounds with an estimated street value of approximately $20,396.00.

CBP officers seized the narcotics, the vehicles, arrested the drivers and turned the cases over to
the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation.

Page14

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

‫קוקאין מוסלק בקופסאת ממתקים‬

CBP at JFK Seizes Cocaine in Candy

Release Date:

April 22, 2016
U. S. Customs and Border Protection
Catch Cocaine in Containers of Candy

JAMAICA, N.Y. — U. S. Customs and Border
Protection agriculture specialists and officers
discovered a special surprise inside containers of
candy carried by a passenger arriving at John F.
Kennedy International Airport.
On April 18, CBP agriculture specialists were
preforming an x-ray examination of luggage
belonging to Ms. Petra Medarda, a citizen of
Mexico, who had arrived on a flight from Mexico
City, Mexico. CBP agriculture specialists
performing the x-ray examination noticed an
anomaly on the x-ray of rectangular shaped objects,
and discovered that a package was concealed
within the containers of candy.

CBP agriculture specialists requested assistance
from CBP officers who escorted Ms. Medarda to a
private search room where CBP officers probed the
concealed package producing a white powder that
tested positive for cocaine.

In total, CBP discovered eight bricks of cocaine weighing approximately 10 lbs. with an
estimated street value of $175,000.

―This latest seizure demonstrates the vigilance of our CBP officers, and their excellence in
detecting those who would try to smuggle these illegal substances,‖ said Robert E. Perez,
Director, Field Operations New York.

CBP officers placed Ms. Medarda under arrest and turned her over to the New York Police
Department. She now faces state narcotics smuggling charges and will be prosecuted by the
Queens County District Court.

Page15

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

‫ הסלקה במשלוח אבטיחים‬- ‫מריחואנה‬

Nogales CBP Officers Seize $7.4M in Marijuana

Release Date:

April 22, 2016

TUCSON, Ariz. - U.S. Customs and Border
Protection officers at the Mariposa Commercial
Facility in Nogales, Arizona, seized $7.4 million in
marijuana – approximately 14,800 pounds – from a
Mexican national April 21 when he attempted to
enter the United States.

CBP officers at the Mariposa Commercial Facility
in Nogales seized more than 14,800 pounds of
marijuana that was co-mingled within a
watermelon shipment coming into the United States

After an alert by a CBP narcotics-detection canine,
officers found the drugs co-mingled within a
shipment of watermelons in a tractor-trailer driven
by a 51-year-old driver from Nogales, Sonora,
Mexico.

Officers seized the tractor trailer and shipment. The
driver was arrested and referred to U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland
Security Investigations.

The incident represents the third largest such
seizure of marijuana at an Arizona port of entry.

Page16

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

‫ פנל דלת וגל הינע‬,‫ ברמקול‬-‫הסלקות סמים ברכב‬

Nogales CBP Officers Seize $793K in Hard Drugs

Release Date:

April 22, 2016
TUCSON, Ariz. – Customs and Border Protection officers arrested two Mexican nationals and a
Honduran national for attempting to smuggle 100 pounds of cocaine and methamphetamine
through the Port of Nogales on April 20.
Officers at the Mariposa
crossing referred a 44-
year-old Mexican national
for further inspection of
his Volkswagen and found
nearly 20 pounds of
cocaine, worth almost
$223,000, in the rear
speaker area.

At about the same time,
officers at the Dennis
DeConcini crossing
referred a 66-year-old
Honduran driver for an
additional search of her
Pontiac sedan. Officers
removed a combination of
meth and cocaine from the
vehicle’s rear door panel.
The haul consisted of
nearly 24 pounds of cocaine and more than 40 pounds of meth. Combined, the drugs are valued
at more than $390,000.

Later in the day, officers at the Mariposa crossing arrested a 25-year-old Mexican national after a
CBP narcotics canine alerted to the presence of drugs within his vehicle’s drive shaft. Officers
found nearly 16 pounds of cocaine worth almost $180,000.

CBP officers seized the drugs and vehicles, and turned the subjects over to U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

Page17

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

‫ במושב אחורי‬-‫הסלקה ברכב‬
Border Patrol Nets $1.2M Cocaine Seizure

Release Date:

April 22, 2016
TEMECULA, Calif. — Border Patrol agents seized more than 76 pounds of cocaine after
conducting a vehicle stop on Wednesday near the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 15 in
Temecula.
Border Patrol agents seized
more than 76 pounds of cocaine
after conducting a vehicle stop
on Wednesday near the Border
Patrol checkpoint on Interstate
15 in Temecula.

At about 3:15 p.m., agents pulled
over the driver of a 2005 Honda
Accord. As the agents
interviewed the 50-year-old male
driver of the vehicle, a Border
Patrol K-9 conducted a search of
the vehicle’s exterior and alerted
agents for the possible presence
of contraband.

After the agents received the
alert, the driver agents searched
the vehicle and discovered 30 bundles of cocaine that was concealed in a false compartment built
into the vehicle’s back seat.

In total, the bundles contained 76.07 pounds of cocaine, which had an estimated street value of
$1,217,120.

Richard A. Barlow, Chief Patrol Agent of the San Diego Sector said, ―This result illustrates how
the U.S. Border Patrol aggressively targets illicit activity not only at the border, but also along
major corridors of egress.‖

The suspected smuggler was arrested and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration,
along with the narcotics. The Honda Accord was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

Since October 1, 2015, Border Patrol agents in San Diego Sector have intercepted 598.42 pounds
of cocaine.

Page18

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

‫ בצמיג רזרווי‬- ‫הסלקת סמים‬
Border Patrol Agents Seize Meth at Highway 86

Release Date:

April 20, 2016
SALTON CITY, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Indio Station
working at the Highway 86 checkpoint, arrested a man suspected of drug smuggling after they
discovered packages of methamphetamine hidden inside the spare tire of the vehicle on
Wednesday.

El Centro
Sector Border
Patrol agents
assigned to the
Indio Station
working at the
Highway 86
checkpoint,
arrested a man
suspected of
drug smuggling
after they
discovered
packages of
methamphetami
ne hidden inside the spare tire of the vehicle.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m., when a 36-year-old man approached the
checkpoint driving a 2002 white Ford Explorer.

A Border Patrol detection canine alerted to the vehicle during a pre-primary inspection. Agents
referred the man to the secondary inspection area for a closer examination. After an intensive
search, agents discovered packages of methamphetamine hidden inside the vehicle’s spare tire.

The methamphetamine had a combined weight of nine pounds with an estimated street value of
$81,000.

―The Border Patrol is continuously assessing the right combination of assets needed to maintain
operational control of the border,‖ said Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David Kim. ―The threat
constantly changes and we frequently fine-tune our enforcement posture to heighten the
probability of its success.‖

Page19

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

‫ הסלקה בתחתית מזודה ובתא דלק של אופנוע‬-‫הרואין‬
CBP Officers Find Heroin Stashed in Suitcase
Lining, Concealed Under Motorcycle Gas Tank

Release Date:

April 22, 2016
CALEXICO, Calif. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Calexico downtown
port of entry foiled attempts to smuggle heroin across the border in a suitcase and under the gas
tank of a motorcycle.
―The tenacity and experience of our frontline officers directly resulted in the seizures of an
extremely dangerous drug,‖ said David Salazar, acting Port Director for the Calexico ports of
entry. ―These arrests illustrate how CBP officers blend their training and skills with non-intrusive
inspection technologies to successfully intercept narcotics before they enter our communities.‖

While in a secure area, officers
searched the contents of the
man’s suitcase and discovered
two tape-wrapped packages
hidden behind an inner lining.

The first incident occurred at
about 5 p.m. on Wednesday,
April 20, when a CBP officer
encountered a 20-year-old male
U.S. citizen after he arrived at
the downtown port’s pedestrian
inspection facility. The officer
noticed the man, who was
traveling with a suitcase,
appeared nervous and escorted
him for additional review.

While in a secure area, officers searched the contents of the man’s suitcase and discovered two
tape-wrapped packages hidden behind an inner lining.

The contents of the two packages field-tested positive as heroin, yielding a total weight of five
pounds, and worth approximately $45,000.

Page20

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

The second incident occurred shortly after 4 p.m. on April 21, when a 23-year-old male Mexican
citizen arrived at the downtown port riding a 2002 Honda CBR600 motorcycle. A CBP officer
referred the man and his motorcycle aside for a more intensive inspection.

During the inspection of the motorcycle, officers discovered two wrapped bundles of heroin Page21
stashed in the gas tank’s housing.

During the inspection of the motorcycle, officers utilized the port’s imaging system and detected
anomalies under the gas tank. Officers continued searching the area and discovered two
wrapped bundles of heroin stashed in the gas tank’s housing.

More than four pounds of heroin was extracted from the motorcycle, worth an estimated street
value of $38,000.

The man transporting the suitcase, a resident of Glendale, Arizona, and the motorcyclist, a
resident of Mexicali, were arrested by CBP officers and turned over to the custody of Homeland
Security Investigations agents for further processing. Both men were eventually booked into the
Imperial County Jail to face federal charges.

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬ Page22
ITA Representative, NY

‫מסגרת גרור‬6‫ הסלקה בשלדת‬- ‫מריחואנה‬

CBP Seizes Marijuana at Presidio Port

Release Date:

April 25, 2016
PRESIDIO, Texas -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers
working at the Presidio port of entry seized 283 pounds of marijuana Friday afternoon. The drugs
were hidden in both frame rails of a gooseneck trailer. The estimated street value of the seized
contraband is
$225,000.

―Our officers are ever
vigilant for this type
of smuggling
method,‖ said John
Deputy, CBP Presidio
Port Director.
―Inspecting for
contraband in the I-
beams of a trailer is
just one of a multitude
of areas on a trailer
checked by officers.‖
The seizure was made
at 12:15 p.m. when a
2005 Dodge Ram
2500 pickup truck
towing an empty
gooseneck trailer
entered the port from Mexico. The vehicle was referred for a thorough inspection. CBP canine
detector dog ―Indi‖ alerted to the presence of narcotics and an x-ray scan of the trailer showed
anomalies in the frame rails. CBP officers drilled into a rail of the trailer and extracted a
substance which tested positive for the properties of marijuana. A total of 273 bundles with a
total weight of 283 pounds were extracted from both
rails.

CBP officers took custody and arrested the driver, 22-year-old Jesus Andres Gonzalez, a
Mexican national from Chihuahua City. He was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement HSI agents to face charges in connection with the failed smuggling attempt.

While anti-terrorism is the primary mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the
inspection process at the ports of entry associated with this mission results in impressive
numbers of enforcement actions in all categories.

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

)K9 ‫הסלקת מריחואנה – בתוך לוח המחוונים (זיהוי‬
CBP Officers Seize $146K Worth of Marijuana

Release Date:

April 25, 2016

CBP officers discovered more than 200 packages of marijuana within the dashboard area of a
smuggling vehicle, as well as within the floorboard.

TUCSON, Ariz. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection Field Operations officers seized almost
292 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $146,000, hidden in a truck occupied by two
females from Sells, Ariz. on April 22 at Arizona’s Port of Sasabe.
CBP officers arrested the women after locating the drugs using a drug-detection canine during a
secondary inspection.

Officers processed the vehicle and drugs for seizure, and referred both women to U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

Page23

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

‫תא דלק רכב‬6‫ בתיק נשיאה‬Meth ‫תפישת מריחואנה ו‬

San Luis CBP Officers Arrest 2, Seize Heroin, Meth

Release Date:

April 25, 2016
TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Port of San Luis arrested
two people on April 23 in connection with separate failed attempts to smuggle hard drugs worth
more than $172,000 into the United States.

CBP officers seized more than five pounds of heroin that was concealed within a travel bag
being carried through pedestrian crossing

After a CBP officer
working at the port’s
pedestrian lane
referred an 18-year-
old Glendale,
Arizona man for
secondary inspection
of a travel bag,
officers found more
than five pounds of
heroin worth in
excess of $90,000.

Later in the day,
officers referred a
20-year-old
California woman for
a secondary
inspection of her
Jeep SUV. After a CBP narcotics-detection canine alerted to the presence of drugs within the gas
tank, officers removed more than 27 pounds of meth approximately $82,000.

Officers arrested both subjects and turned them over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s
Homeland Security Investigations.

Page24

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

)K9 ‫הסלקת מריחואנה – במשאית (זיהוי‬

Lukeville CBP Officers Seize $93K in Marijuana

Release Date:

April 25, 2016

CBP officers seized nearly 187 pounds of marijuana from a truck referred for a secondary
inspection following an alert by a CBP narcotics detection canine

TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a 33-year-old Mexican
man April 22 for allegedly attempting to smuggle nearly 187 pounds of marijuana through the
Port of Lukeville.
Officers referred the man for a secondary inspection of his Honda truck, at which time a CBP
narcotics-detection canine alerted to the bed area where officers found multiple packages of
marijuana, valued at more than $93,000.

Officers seized the drugs and vehicle, and turned the subject over to U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

Page25

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

‫כרטיסי זכרון מזוייפים – במטענים אוויריים‬

CBP Officers in Tampa Seize More Than Half a
Million Dollars in Counterfeit Memory Cards

Release Date:

April 27, 2016
TAMPA – Over the course of only a few days, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers working at Area Port of Tampadiscovered two
shipments with more than half a million dollars-worth of counterfeit merchandise.

CBP officers discovered counterfeit memory cards during an inspection in Tampa. Page26

CBP officers first examined an air shipment containing merchandise containing counterfeit
memory cards worth a total estimated Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) value of
$155,000.

Later in the week, CBP officers targeted an additional shipment of counterfeit memory cards
with a total estimated MSRP value of over $395,000.

―It is extremely important that we continue to intercept this kind of counterfeit merchandise in
order to protect the rights of the trademark holder and the American economy,‖ said Tampa Port
Director Radames A. Torres.

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

)K9 ‫פנלים (זיהוי‬6‫ נוזלי והרואין – הסלקה בתא דלק‬Meth

CBP Officers Arrest 8, Seize Almost $2M in Drugs

Release Date:

April 27, 2016
TUCSON, Ariz. — Customs and Border Protection officers at the Port of Nogales seized more
than 500 pounds of illegal drugs and arrested eight individuals during multiple weekend
smuggling attempts involving cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine.
Officers at the Mariposa crossing referred a 66-year-old male Mexican national, living legally in
Tucson, for further questioning and a secondary inspection of the Lexus sedan he was driving on
April 25. After a CBP narcotics-detection canine alerted to drugs in the vehicle, officers removed
multiple packages from the firewall area containing more than 29 pounds of cocaine worth close
to $329,000.

Two Mexican women were taken into custody after officers at the DeConcini crossing were Page27
found to be smuggling more than 150 pounds of liquid meth within the gas tank of a vehicle
referred for further inspection. Personnel had to protect themselves from a hazardous waste
scenario.

On April 24, officers at
the Dennis DeConcini
crossing referred a 26-
year-old male resident of
Nogales, Arizona for
further inspection of his
Cadillac sedan. A
narcotics-detection
canine then alerted
officers to the location of
nearly 24 pounds of
meth, worth almost
$71,000, hidden in the
vehicle’s quarter panels.

On the same day, officers
at the DeConcini crossing
found more than 27
pounds of meth, worth in
excess of $82,000, inside
a BMW sedan belonging
to a 25-year-old Phoenix woman. A drug detection canine alerted officers to the vehicle
containing the drugs.

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬ Page28
ITA Representative, NY

The day before, officers at the DeConcini crossing first referred a 32-year-old Mexican woman
driving a Nissan van for further inspection and found more than 140 pounds of marijuana, worth
an estimated $70,000, in the rear cargo area. Later, a 29-year-old Mexican woman and her 19-
year-old female passenger attempted to enter the U.S. with more than 152 pounds of liquid meth,
worth almost $457,000, in the fuel tank of their Ford SUV. A narcotics-detection canine alerted
to the location.

Containers filled with more than 150 pounds of meth are sealed to prevent a hazardous waste
incident.

On April 22, officers
referred a 51-year-
old Tucson woman
for further inspection
of her Suzuki SUV
when she attempted
to enter the U.S.
through the Mariposa
crossing. A canine
team alerted officers
to the rear quarter
panels where they
retrieved nearly 20
pounds of heroin
worth more than
$341,000, and more
than 15 pounds of
meth worth in excess
of $45,000.

Also on April 22, officers at the DeConcini crossing referred a 38-year-old woman from
Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, for further inspection of her Chevrolet SUV. A canine alert led to
the discovery of more than five pounds of heroin, worth almost $91,000, and more than 98
pounds of meth worth close to $295,000.

Officers seized all drugs and vehicles, and turned the subjects over to U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

Acting Nogales Port Director Joe Agosttini praised the efforts of his officers, ―This level of
smuggling activity lends itself to the fact that drug smugglers don’t take days off, but neither
does the coverage by our CBP officers. Our resources in Nogales combine manpower,
infrastructure and technology to combat the efforts of smugglers, while at the same time
facilitating legitimate trade and travel.‖

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

‫תפישת סמים במעברי גבול‬

Border Patrol Agents Seize Multiple Drugs Valued
at $600,000+

Release Date:

April 27, 2016
YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents seized more than 800 pounds of drugs in
three days with an estimated value exceeding $600,000.

Nearly 800 pounds of marijuana were seized by agents near Sentinel, Ariz. when they captured 9
backpackers

Agents arrested two U.S.
citizens and seized 15
pounds of marijuana,
drug paraphernalia and
$8,013 in cash from their
vehicle during a traffic
stop near Ehrenberg
April 24. The
marijuana’s estimated
value was $7,500.

During an immigration
inspection at the Blythe,
California, Greyhound
Bus Station the
following day, agents
arrested a 24-year-old
man with a border
crossing card for
attempting to smuggle
12 pounds of heroin worth in excess of $209,000.

On April 26, agents near Sentinel arrested nine illegal aliens attempting to smuggle 792 pounds
of marijuana worth an estimated $396,000. One alien was briefly hospitalized for blisters on his
feet but was medically cleared.

All persons, drugs and vehicles involved in these incidents were processed per Yuma Sector
guidelines.

Page29

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

‫מהגרים לא חוקיים – בתא מטען רכב‬

Border Patrol Agents Rescue Men Locked in Trunk

Release Date:

April 27, 2016
PINE VALLEY, Calif. — U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a woman at the Interstate 8
checkpoint Tuesday for smuggling two Mexican nationals inside the trunk of her car.

U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a woman at the Interstate 8 checkpoint Tuesday for
smuggling two Mexican nationals inside the trunk of her car.

At
approximately 1
p.m., a 19-year-
old female
arrived at the
checkpoint near
Pine Valley
driving a 2003
Acura
TL. Agents
referred the
woman for a
secondary
inspection and,
when they
opened the
trunk of the
Acura, they discovered two men inside. The men had been in the trunk for an extended period
and were disoriented by the daylight and had difficulty speaking. After providing aid to the men,
agents determined both were Mexican nationals illegally present in the U.S.

Agents arrested the female driver, who faces federal charges for human smuggling. The two
Mexican nationals were transported to a nearby Border Patrol station for processing.

Campo Patrol Agent in Charge David BeMiller said, ―Due to the extraordinary vigilance of the
Campo Station agents, many smugglers have tried and failed to get their human cargo through
the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 8.‖

Since October 1, 2015, Border Patrol agents in San Diego Sector have intercepted 14,449
individuals who attempted to illegally enter the U.S.

Page30

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬ Page31
ITA Representative, NY

)K9 ‫הסלקת סמים – ברכב (זיהוי‬

CBP Field Operations at Hidalgo International
Bridge Seizes $257K in Cocaine

Release Date:

April 25, 2016
HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at
the Hidalgo International Bridge intercepted $257,000 worth of alleged cocaine from a Pasadena,
Texas man as he attempted to enter the U.S. from Mexico.

Packages containing 33 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at the
Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry

―Our frontline
officers detected
these hard
narcotics as a
result of their
continued
vigilance and
dedication to the
CBP mission,‖
said Port
Director Efrain
Solis Jr.,
Hidalgo/Pharr/
Anzalduas Port
of Entry. ―Being
able to help keep
dangerous drugs
out of our
communities is
one of the many priorities within Field Operations.‖

The seizure occurred on April 21, after CBP officers at the Hidalgo-Reynosa International
Bridge encountered a 67-year-old male, legal permanent resident from the Houston area. After
referring the traveler and the red 2006 Ford Escape he was driving for further inspection and
with the use of a canine team K9, officers discovered 15 packages of alleged cocaine weighing
approximately 33 pounds within the SUV.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics, the vehicle and arrested the Houstonian, who was ultimately
released to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents for further

investigation.

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

)K9 ‫ – מוסלק ברכב (זיהוי‬Meth ‫תפישת‬

CBP Field Operations Makes Substantial Drug
Seizure of Methamphetamine Worth Over $2
Million at Hidalgo International Bridge

Release Date:

April 26, 2016
HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at
the Hidalgo International Bridge arrested a man from Georgia after discovering $2,131,000
worth of alleged methamphetamine hidden within the Ford pickup he was driving.

A compressed package containing 106.5 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at
Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry

―Our officers have once again demonstrated their
resiliency and dedication towards the effort of
helping to keep dangerous drugs from crossing
the Mexico-U.S. border and making their way
into our streets and communities,‖ said Port
Director Efrain Solis Jr., Hidalgo/Pharr/
Anzalduas Port of Entry.

This interception occurred on April 25, at the
Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge after CBP
officers came in contact with a 38-year-old male
legal permanent resident from Doraville,
Georgia. An officer referred him and his white
2009 Ford F-150 pickup truck for further
inspection and with the use of all available tools
and resources, including a canine team (K9),
officer discovered a compressed package of
alleged methamphetamine weighing
approximately 106.5 pounds hidden within the
Ford pickup.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics, the vehicle and
arrested the man from Georgia who was then released to the custody of Homeland Security
Investigations (HSI) agents for further investigation.

Page32

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬ Page33
ITA Representative, NY

)K9 ‫תפישת הרואין וקוקאין במכולת ירקות מאקוודור (זיהוי‬

CBP Officers Seize Approximately 121 Pounds of
Heroin and 8 Pounds of Cocaine

Release Date:

April 29, 2016
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered
approximately 121 pounds of heroin and eight pounds of cocaine in a shipping container of
vegetables that was moving from Ecuador to Miami, FL through the Red Hook Container
Terminal in Brooklyn, N.Y.

CBP Officers Seize
Approximately 121 Pounds
of Heroin and 8 Pounds of
Cocaine

On January 7, during a
routine container
inspection, CBP K-9
officers discovered 257
boxes that contained a
combined 970 packages
that contained a light brown
powdery substance. A field test of the substance proved positive for heroin. CBP officers also
discovered 58 packages containing a white powder that tested positive for cocaine.

In total, approximately 121 lbs. of heroin with an estimated street value of more than $3,500,000,
and approximately 8 lbs. of cocaine with an estimated street value of more than $135,000 was
seized.

CBP officers seized the illicit drugs and turned them over to agents from Homeland Security
Investigations. No arrests have been made, and the investigation will continue.

―This is a significant seizure,‖ said Robert E. Perez, Director, New York Field Operations. ―The
ongoing partnership between CBP and HSI continues to produce results that protect the
American public. This intercept prevents a large quantity of drugs from getting to the streets and
in the hands of our children.‖

CBP routinely works with its partner federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to
intercept dangerous drugs before they can reach our communities. It deploys the government’s
largest law enforcement work force, including air and marine assets, to protect our citizens at and
between ports of entry.

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

)K9 ‫תפישת קוקאין – מוסלק ברכב נוסעים (זיהוי‬

Customs and Border Protection Officers Seize
$76,500 in Cocaine at the Progreso International
Bridge

Release Date:

May 3, 2016
PROGRESO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Progreso
International Bridge intercepted a load of alleged cocaine. CBP officers discovered the alleged
narcotics, valued at approximately $76,500, hidden within a 2010 gray Mitsubishi Lancer.

Packages containing nearly 10 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Progreso Port of
Entry

―This narcotic
interdiction is a
testament to
CBP’s
commitment to
protect our
nation’s borders,‖
said Port Director
Nestor Garza III,
Progreso/Donna
Port of Entry. ―I
am proud of our
officers’
dedication and work ethic."

The seizure took place on Monday, May. 2, at the Progreso International Bridge when a 32-year-
old male United States citizen who resides in Weslaco, Texas, attempted entry into the United
States, driving a 2010 gray Mitsubishi Lancer and was referred to CBP secondary for further
examination. With the help of a K-9 unit, CBP officers discovered four packages of alleged
cocaine within the vehicle. The narcotics weighed 9.92 pounds and carried an estimated street
value $76,500.

CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicle, arrested the driver, and turned him over
to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.

Page34

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬
ITA Representative, NY

K9 ‫הסלקת סמים על הגוף וברכב – זיהוי‬

CBP Officers Confiscate $272K in Hard Drugs

Release Date:

May 4, 2016
TUCSON, Ariz. – Customs and Border Protection officers arrested three people during separate
attempts to smuggle nearly 30 pounds of cocaine and methamphetamine through the Port of
Nogales on May 3.
Officers at the Dennis DeConcini crossing referred a 32-year-old Tucson woman for further
inspection of her Volkswagen and found more than 20 pounds of cocaine, worth almost
$230,000, in the rear quarter panels.

Earlier in the afternoon, officers at the Morley pedestrian crossing referred a 25-year-old
Mexican woman for a further search. After a CBP narcotics detection canine alerted to the
presence of drugs, officers removed more than four pounds of meth, valued at more than
$12,000, found wrapped around the woman’s calves.

Officers at the DeConcini pedestrian crossing found nearly 3 pounds of cocaine, worth almost
$30,000, taped around the legs of a 22-year-old Nogales, Arizona man after a CBP narcotics-
detection canine alerted to the drugs.

CBP officers seized the drugs and vehicle, and turned the subjects over to U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

Page35

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]

561026 ‫מקבץ חדשות לחודש‬ Page36
ITA Representative, NY

‫תפישת סמים בגג טריילר ואיתור ומזיקים בלוחות עץ‬

CBP Intercepts 2,788 Pounds of Marijuana and

Wood-Boring Pest in Shipment of Pallets

Release Date:

May 4, 2016
LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and agriculture specialists at
Laredo’s World Trade Bridge worked tirelessly into the night to find significant interceptions in
a shipment of wooden pallets and on one recent night seized a load, more than a ton, of alleged
marijuana and a wood-boring pest in the same shipment.
―Our frontline CBP officers and agriculture specialists at World Trade Bridge worked together
and seized a sizable load of narcotics and intercepted a wood-boring pest all in one fell swoop,‖
said Port Director Gregory Alvarez, Laredo Port of Entry. ―These dual interceptions underscore
the importance of the border security and agriculture missions that CBP carries out on daily
basis.‖

On April 20, 2016, CBP
officers at World Trade
Bridge referred a tractor
hauling a shipment of
wooden pallets into
secondary for
inspection. The pallets were
offloaded and after a
thorough inspection of the
conveyance, CBP officers,
using all available tools and
resources, discovered 2,788
pounds of alleged marijuana
within the roof of the tractor
trailer. The marijuana had an
estimated street value of $557,675.

In addition, CBP agriculture specialists conducted a wood packaging material inspection on the
wooden pallets. The result of the inspection was a live quarantine significant pest in
the Buprestidae family of wood borers.
The dual enforcement is an example of the diligent work CBP officers and agriculture specialists
do on a daily basis and exemplifies the crucial teamwork CBP uses in preventing narcotics and
foreign pests from coming into the US. The narcotics carry a combined estimated street value of
over half a million dollars while wood-boring pests that are not known to occur in the U.S. may
be detrimental to the nation’s forestry industry causing millions of dollars in damages and
control measures.

Dan Peled ‫ נציג רשות המסים‬,‫דן פלד‬

Consul ‫למדינות צפון ודרום אמריקה‬
Finance, Tax & Customs Affairs [email protected]