see also: in February 2003:   Investigators from U.S. Customs and District Attorney's Office Arrest Impersonator of Federal Agent   U.S. Ambassador Presents $843,388 Forfeiture Check to Mexico as a Result of Joint Probe Into Former Mexican Deputy Attorney General   Customs Recruitment Strategy Perpetuates Excellence   Customs Has New Number for 24-Hour Rule Conference Call   Expired Permit Leads to Drug Smuggling Charges (pdf - 24 KB.)   At the Otay Mesa Border Station Customs Seizes 10 Tons of Marijuana   Container Security Initiative Expands Beyond the Megaports, Strengthening Anti-Terror Coalition ...more on cbp.gov:   Press Officers   Border Wait Times

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Hidalgo, TX--The World Customs Organization recently recognized the U.S. Customs Service's officers at the Hidalgo Port of Entry with an award for their innovative international training program at a reception commemorating International Customs Day in Washington, DC.

The award acknowledges the U.S. Customs Service in Hidalgo, TX for its development and ongoing offerings of the International Border Interdiction Training (IBIT) course. The training includes classroom theory and hands-on field exercises in critical areas such as weapons of mass destruction detection, vehicle and truck inspection with high-tech tools, behavioral analysis and anti-terrorism operations. Since 2001, the U.S. Customs Service IBIT program at the Hidalgo Port of Entry has delivered specialized training to more than 115 Customs officers and border guards from Bosnia-Herzegovina and nations from the former Soviet Union, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Training teams from Hidalgo also have conducted on-site follow-up trainings in the host countries.

"It is truly an honor to receive this prestigious award from the World Customs Organization," said David Higgerson, U.S. Customs Port Director, Hidalgo. "This type of training can be held in a variety of environments and we are proud that the WCO recognized the experience and ability of our training team here in Hidalgo to teach border-tested skills that will be used in the world's hotspots to stop the potential transshipment of weapons of mass destruction," Higgerson said.

The Hidalgo Port of Entry was one of 23 teams and individuals recognized at the International Customs Day event in Washington. Chief Inspector Javier Cantu accepted the award on the port's behalf.

The World Customs Organization traditionally sets aside Jan. 26 to commemorate the valuable role played by Customs administrations worldwide in the protection of national borders from contraband as well as the facilitation of legitimate trade. U.S. Customs observes the day by a hosting an evening reception to honor those who have made outstanding contributions in the international Customs arena.