| Unique training on how to identify rail shipments of illicit precursor chemicals
By Janice Catrell, Customs Inspector, Instructor/Course Developer, Office of International Affairs |
Standing at the threshhold of the 21st Century, U.S. Customs is facing new and perhaps unfamiliar challenges. In response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, the Customs Service is mobilized against the threats of terrorism, dedicating its energies to homeland security at the more than 300 U.S. ports of entry - the gateways to our country.With this new posture of heightened security, partnerships with our neighbors gain even more importance. Customs must rely on the help and resources of our neighbors, in addition to our own ingenuity, in order to combat crime and terrorism targeted at the United States.Partnership with Mexico
To demonstrate our commitment to this partnership, a unique training course was recently presented by the U.S. Customs Attaché office in Mexico City, in cooperation with the Office of International Affairs, to Mexico Customs and law enforcement officials on how to identify rail shipments of illicit chemical precursors (a chemical controlled by the Drug Enforcement Administration [DEA] that is essential for manufacturing narcotics). The training was considered unique for a number of reasons:- The training combined the expertise of instructors from U.S. Customs, the Department of Justice, and the DEA laboratory technicians and investigators.
- Emphasis was placed on bulk rail shipments of precursor chemicals, which are controlled by DEA because of their potential for diversion to narcotics production enterprises.
- The focus was on profiling precursor chemicals, first response to hazardous materials incidents, placarding, labeling, document requirements, safety considerations, and illegal diversion.
- An inspector from the busiest U.S. international railroad port in Laredo, Tex., gave a presentation on the rail VACIS system, showing how high technology and innovative management have greatly facilitated the movement of rail cargo.
- The Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad, in conjunction with their chemical safety outreach program, TRANSCAER, staged a training tank car. BNSF rail experts demonstrated the operation of valve sets used on pressurized tank cars to emphasize safety procedures for inspections.
U.S. Embassy officials in Mexico City proposed the rail interdiction and chemical precursor training as a step to forming a multi-agency task force of Mexican officials for chemicals control. The proposed task force will streamline the notification process of legitimate precursor shipments and target illicit shipments for investigation. The task force promises to be an effective deterrent to transnational narcotics activity.If you want to learn more about the rail interdiction and chemical precursor training, please contact the Office of International Affairs, Instructor/Course Developer, at 202-927-1624 |
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