see also: in February 2007 News Releases:   Border Officers Respond To Medical Emergency   Federal Authorities Seize Narcotics Valued at More Than $15 Million in Caribbean   Spring Breakers: Get Your Passports Now   CBP Seizes 403 Pounds of Undeclared Cheese, Two Vehicles at Colombia-Solidarity Bridge   U.S.-Canada Trusted Air Traveler Program Expands   CBP Border Patrol Agents Rescue 56 Aliens from Truck   ACE Mandated for E-manifest Filing at Border Ports in Michigan and New York ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Champlain, New York - Customs and Border Protection, in concert with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) today announced the seizure of 144 fraudulent bank cards. The seizure also resulted in the federal arrest of two Canadian citizens.

On February 10, CBP Officers encountered Kiritharan Puvanedran and Thavanesan Thanavalasingam, both Sri Lankan-born Canadian citizens, as they applied for entry into the United States at the Champlain, New York port of entry. Both subjects claimed to be en route to Plattsburgh, New York to shop. Additional questioning raised the suspicion of the CBP officer and they were referred to for a secondary enforcement exam.

During the inspection of Puvanedran's jacket, CBP officers discovered a quantity of what appeared to be blank bank cards. The cards, white in color, had a magnetic strip on the back and a four digit pin written in marker on the front. Subsequent inspection of Thanavalasingam's personal effects also revealed the same type of bank card. Further investigation revealed that some of the seized cards had the capability of accessing legitimate bank accounts.

"Both subjects were arrested on federal charges of smuggling and bank fraud." stated CBP Public Affairs Officer Kevin Corsaro Special Agents from ICE Rouses Point office are continuing the investigation to determine how the men obtained the cards and PIN numbers. Agents recommend that anyone who notices unusual activity on their credit, ATM or debit card immediately contact their bank. Anyone with information on this case may provide information to ICE through the toll-free tip line, 1-866-DHS-2ICE.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.