see also: in May 2002:   U.S. Customs Announces International Counterfeit Case Involving Caterpillar Heavy Equipment   U.S. Customs Inspectors Seize 1,787 Pounds of Marijuana at World Trade Bridge; One Arrested   U.S. Customs Inspectors in Eagle Pass Seize Five Drug Loads in Five Days, Including Three on Monday   U.S. Customs Inspectors Seize $3.6 Million in Cocaine, Methamphetamine at Hidalgo/Pharr Port of Entry Over Weekend   U.S. Customs Task Force Arrests 11 Charged in Heroin-Smuggling Conspiracy in New York and New Jersey   Child Sex Offender Fugitive Wanted by Arizona and Massachusetts Authorities Captured at Brownsville Port of Entry   Mother's Day Delivery at Fabens Port ...more on cbp.gov:   Customs Administrative Enforcement Process: Fines, Penalties, Forfeitures and Liquidated Damages (pdf - 656 KB.)

contacts for this news release

Massena, New York - The U.S. Customs Service, Office of Investigations, in Massena, N.Y., will present asset share checks totaling $66,467 to the Massena Police Department (MPD), the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Department (SLCSD), and the Ogdensburg Police Department (OPD) for their participation in an investigation targeting the smuggling of marijuana from Canada into the United States. The asset share checks represent a portion of the proceeds that the smuggling organization was attempting to use to purchase the marijuana. The monies may be used to purchase equipment such as police cruisers, new technology and body armor.

In August 2001 special agents of the U.S. Customs Service in cooperation with officers of the Massena Police Department and the St. Lawrence County Drug Task Force initiated a surveillance based upon information received from a tip to the Customs hotline 1-800-BE-ALERT. During the ensuing investigation, agents, and officers identified two males from the metropolitan Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area who were in the Village of Massena allegedly seeking to purchase marijuana. Surveillance was maintained on the individuals as they headed to the St. Lawrence Center Mall. The two males were observed meeting with whom Customs agents believed to be sources of supply of marijuana. Based upon observations of the officers a vehicle stop was made. A backpack was discovered in the passenger compartment which was later searched and found to contain $79,577 in U.S. currency and 1.5 pounds of marijuana. The two subjects were arrested and the money and marijuana was seized.

The currency was later forfeited to the U.S. Customs Service. In return, the U.S. Customs Service shared a portion of the forfeiture with each of the participating enforcement agencies.

"This is an excellent example of how cooperation between U.S. Customs and state and local law enforcement agencies can positively impact our communities. As criminals become more complex and savvy, we need to unite our investigative and interdiction efforts to catch them in the act." This money, once used for illegal gains, now will be used to protect the North Country from terrorists and narcotic traffickers," said Carmen Pino, Resident Agent, U.S. Customs Service.

The Customs Service 's Asset Forfeiture Program provides funding to state and local law enforcement agencies that participate in Customs investigations that lead to seizures and forfeitures. By taking illegal proceeds from crimes such as narcotics smuggling, money laundering, and fraud, and turning these ill-gotten gains into profits to enhance local enforcement, the Asset Forfeiture Program is mutually beneficial to law enforcement and to our communities.

Drugs and drug smuggling are a major cause of crime and social problems in our daily lives. U.S. Customs seeks the help of the public in the fight against drugs and drug smuggling. The public is urged to report suspected drug smuggling activity to the nearest U.S. Customs Office or call the 24 hour tipline - 1-800-BE-ALERT.

You will remain anonymous and could receive a cash award for your information.