see also: in July 2003:   CBP Inspectors Seize $2.4 Million In Narcotics at Laredo Port of Entry   CBP Inspectors Seize Large Cocaine Load at Eagle Pass Port of Entry   China Signs Declaration of Principles With Container Security Initiative to Target and Pre-Screen Cargo Destined for U.S.   CBP Officers at Otay Mesa Seize Over 4,400 Pounds of Marijuana   CBP Inspectors Seize $15.5 Million in Cocaine at Pharr International Bridge Last Week   U.S., Mexican Officials Announce 24-Hour Service at Otay Mesa Port of Entry   Department of Homeland Security Proposes Regulations to Improve Cargo Security ...more on cbp.gov:   Press Officers   CBP News Releases

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Portland, OR--Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspectors seized a large shipment of small arms and ammunition magazines yesterday at the Port of Portland. The shipment of pistols, shotguns and magazines was transiting the United States bound for an arms dealer in El Salvador. The estimated value of the seized weapons is $421,500. It is the largest seizure of its kind in area history.

The shipment, which originated in China, had transited Vancouver, B.C., before arriving in Portland. It subsequently was scheduled to transit Oakland and Long Beach, California, on its way to El Salvador. CBP inspectors, performing automated vessel manifest reviews of import and in-transit cargo on the vessel "Nordstrand", became suspicious of the contents of the 20-foot container prior to its arrival in Portland. Upon arrival, the shipment was off-loaded, examined, and initially detained on June 28.

The shipment was seized for violating the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) administered by the U.S. Department of State. ITAR requires special licenses for weapons shipments transiting the United States. CBP detained the shipment while authorities in Washington, D.C., determined if the proper licenses existed. Based on a determination that there were no applicable licenses on file, CBP seized 780 handguns, 950 magazines, and 150 pistol grip shotguns. The remaining merchandise, 300 standard pump shotguns, were seized for false manifesting, and have been referred for a licensing determination from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

In January 2002, U.S. Customs launched the Container Security Initiative (CSI) to prevent global containerized cargo from being exploited by terrorists. (There is no allegation of a terrorism link in this seizure.) The initiative is designed to enhance security of the sea cargo container--a vital link in global trade. Some 200 million sea cargo containers move annually among the world's top seaports, and nearly 50 percent of the value of all U.S. imports arrive via sea containers. Not only does CBP target cargo destined for the United States, but also scrutinizes foreign cargo that will pass through our ports.

High-risk shippers and consignees are identified using CBP's sophisticated automated targeting systems, researched and designated for enforcement inspections. In this case, the violative cargo was identified before the vessel carrying the container had even crossed the Columbia Bar.