see also: in January 2002:   U.S. Customs Agents Search Wire Transfer Firm Suspected of Sending Millions to Iraq in Violation of Embargo   U.S. Customs Names New Assistant Commissioner, Congressional Affairs   U.S. Customs Service Inspectors Locate 1,700 Pound Marijuana Load   U.S. Customs Publishes List of First Disbursements Under the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act of 2000   Area U.S. Customs Service Officers Seize More Than Two Tons of Marijuana   Customs Heroin, Cocaine Seizures Up   International Customs Day ...more

contacts for this news release

San Diego, Calif. -- Highlighting the diversity of its workforce, employees of the U.S. Customs Service will march in the 22nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade on Saturday, January 19, in downtown San Diego, officials announced today.

Over 20 officers and non-uniformed employees representing various disciplines, including special agents, Customs inspectors and canine enforcement teams, will march or ride in marked and unmarked government vehicles during the parade, which starts at 10 a.m.

A marked Customs "go-fast" boat used to intercept vessels suspected of ferrying narcotics and other contraband will be towed as part of the agency's parade exhibit, officials said.

Customs officers first participated in the multi-cultural event last year and the federal law enforcement agency plans to encourage its employees to march annually in the future, said Customs Equal Employment Manager Catherine Cheyssial.

Officers from three ports of entry, including San Ysidro, Otay Mesa and Tecate will participate in the Customs contingent, she said.

"The Customs Service is an equal opportunity employer and we feel that participating in such a worthwhile event will promote and celebrate diversity, social tolerance and equal opportunity for all," Cheyssial said.

Members of a local Customs explorer post also will participate as part of the Customs team. Comprised of youth interested in law enforcement, the post participates in community service projects and other activities that promote the U.S. Customs Service.

The theme of this year's three-hour parade is "Let Freedom Ring."