Plastic bags filled with multi-colored tablets of the club drug ecstasy.

On July 25, CBP officers encountered Anthony Ighodaro, a 29-year-old Canadian citizen from Mississauga, Ontario, as he applied for admission into the United States at the Peace Bridge border crossing in Buffalo. Mr. Ighodaro provided a Canadian passport as proof of citizenship and identity and advised the primary CBP that he was en route to the local mall to spend the day shopping. Mr. Ighodaro was selected for a CBP secondary enforcement exam.

During the course of the secondary vehicle inspection, a CBP narcotics detector dog demonstrated a positive alert to the rear bumper area of the vehicle. A subsequent physical inspection of the area in question resulted in the discovery of two black garbage bags that were affixed to the inside rear bumper utilizing black tape and wire. The garbage bags were found to contain six clear plastic bags of multi-colored tablets, which later field-tested positive for MDMA.

CBP officers seized a total of 30,160 tablets (approximately 20 lbs) of Ecstasy, with an estimated street value of $600,000. Mr. Ighodaro was arrested on federal charges of importation and possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance. He was turned over to agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation and prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.

The bumper of the vehicle concealed black plastic trash bags filled with plastic bags of the illegal drug ecstasy.

“Our vigilant examination process generates numerous fugitive apprehensions every week,” said William Molaski, U.S. Customs and Border Protection El Paso Port Director. “Finding people who are wanted for murder, sexual assault crimes, robbery and other criminal acts are an important part of the work CBP performs on a daily basis. The public needs to understand that while the inspection process may take time, the results are important as indicated by these two most recent important apprehensions.”

During the course of the day Wednesday CBP officers working at the ports of entry in the El Paso area also apprehended four other fugitives, made four drug seizures totaling 21 pounds of cocaine and 128 pounds of marijuana, identified 18 immigration violations, fined six people for agriculture violations, and seized one handgun and ammunition.

Souce = CBP

Nation2Nation publishes articles of interest to professionals involved in Supply Chain Security, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Import Export, International Trade, Border Security, Transportation, Transportation Safety, Trucking, Railroad, Air Freight, Maritime and Cargo Management. Contact Jeff Platts at contact@nation2nation.com.

On December 15, CBP officers encountered a 41-year-old United States citizen and resident of Oceanside, N.Y., as he applied for admission into the United States at the Peace Bridge border crossing in Buffalo, N.Y. The subject advised CBP officers that he was returning from a one day trip visiting friends in Toronto and had nothing to declare. During initial questioning, the subject aroused the suspicion of CBP officers, and was subsequently referred for an enforcement exam.

During the course of the secondary inspection, the subject recanted his initial declaration and advised CBP officers that he was in possession of five birds concealed in his vehicle. CBP officers conducted an inspection of the vehicle and discovered five live canaries contained in a wooden box behind the passenger seat.

Agents from Immigration and Custom Enforcement and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service assisted CBP officers and agriculture specialists in the initial investigation of the smuggling case. The interview revealed that the subject is a collector of birds, allegedly having more than 200 as pets at his home in Oceanside. He admitted that his sole purpose for traveling to Canada was to acquire the birds and that he knew it was illegal to import birds without proper documentation and the required USDA veterinary exam, but did so because they were cheaper in Canada.

The undeclared birds were seized by CBP and transferred to the custody of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Division of Veterinary Services.

“A monetary penalty of $300.00 was assessed and the case was referred to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and USDA Investigative and Enforcement Services for further action and possible criminal prosecution,” said Kevin Corsaro, CBP public affairs liaison for the Buffalo Field Office. “The smuggling of such birds increases the chances that a communicable bird disease, such as Exotic Newcastle or Avian Influenza, could enter the United States. CBP officers and agricultures specialists continue to execute their responsibilities which include protecting the United States food crops and livestock from agricultural pests and diseases.”

On December 3, the Buffalo Bills will play a regularly scheduled game at the Rogers Center in Toronto. The Bills will meet the Jets this Thursday night at 8:20 p.m. Travelers can check traffic conditions at the four border crossings within the Buffalo/Niagara region and should select the crossing that is least congested. Travelers can easily obtain current border traffic conditions by calling the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission’s toll free number at 1-800-715-6722 or by visiting any of the following Web sites: ( CBP HomePage ) ( Canada Border Services Agency)

“We are likely to see a spike in normal traffic conditions starting as early as midnight as fans return home from the game,” said Buffalo Port Director Joseph J. Wilson. “We are very cognizant of border wait times and will staff all available primary lanes commensurate with the arriving traffic. Please check traffic conditions and travel options before deciding your route.”

Travelers should prepare for the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth. Individuals should have their crossing documents available for inspection and they should be prepared to declare all items acquired outside the U.S. In compliance with full implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which commenced June 1, all travelers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, will need to present documentary proof of citizenship.

These documents include a Passport, U.S. Passport Card, trusted traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST) or an Enhanced Drivers License. Children under the age of 16 can present an original or copy of their birth certificate. CBP will remain practical and flexible in its approach to full implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and will continue to educate and inform the traveling public. Please visit the WHTI Web site for additional information. ( GetYouHome.gov )

Frequent cross-border travelers are encouraged to participate in the NEXUS program, which allows pre-screened, low risk travelers to proceed with little or no delay into the United States and Canada. Application forms are available on the Canada Border Services Agency Web site at and travelers can apply on the CBP Web site. Additionally, NEXUS information is available toll-free at 1-866-NEXUS 26 (1-866-639-8726). ( Canada Border Services Agency )

“We are honored to be a part of the WNY Top 100 Private Companies list and look forward to moving up the list as LDI continues to expand into new markets through our freight broker agent program,” said Dennis Brown, CEO of Logistic Dynamics.

The CEO’s and the executive staffs of the 2009 Western New York Top Private Companies were honored at a November 19 reception at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.

About Buffalo Business First

Buffalo Business First (New York) provides daily breaking news and the most comprehensive, exclusive coverage of local business in Buffalo, NY. The content provided includes selected full text articles from the weekly edition of the paper as well as daily updates of unique stories from the paper’s website. To learn more about Buffalo Business First, visit their website at www.buffalo.bizjournals.com/buffalo/.

About Logistic Dynamics, Inc.

Logistic Dynamics, Inc.(LDI) is a non-asset based third party logistics provider that specializes in transportation management and freight broker related services. Logistic Dynamics provides full truckload, less than truckload and rail services to a broad range of customers throughout North America by utilizing their ever expanding network of agents and carrier partners. To learn more about our services or agent program visit www.logisticdynamics.com.

Logistic Dynamics, Inc.
Lisa Czapla
Marketing and P.R. Coordinator
email: support@logisticdynamics.com
phone: 1-800-554-3734 x1315