see also: in March 2005 Press Releases:   DHS Begins Second Phase of Arizona Border Effort   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers Seize Cocaine Valued at $1.7 Million at Oroville, WA   Port of Dubai to Implement the Container Security Initiative and Begin Targeting and Pre-Screening Cargo Destined for U.S.   Importer Transitions from Focused Assessment to the Voluntary Importer Self-Assessment Program   USDA Safeguarding Award Presented to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Staff at Port of Miami   U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Mexican Officials Officially Open Remodeled Tecate Port of Entry   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Names New Port Director ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Blaine, Wash. – A 26-year-old Tacoma man was arrested here last night attempting to illegally enter the United States as a stowaway on a southbound freight train. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers apprehended Christopher Ryan Johnson, a U.S. citizen, using Blaine’s rail gamma-imaging technology.

CBP officers were performing a “Non-Intrusive Inspection” (NII) of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight train last night at approximately 9:30 p.m. when they discovered an anomaly. The train was stopped and the officers discovered Johnson on a hopper car. With assistance from CBP’s U.S. Border Patrol, Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team (AT-CET) and the Blaine Police Department, Johnson was identified as the subject of an active felony warrant out of Thurston County for parole violation.

CBP Narcotics Detector Dog “Mac” alerted to one of Johnson’s bags. Johnson admitted that he was a heroin user and that the bag contained needles. CBP officers at the Pacific Highway crossing in Blaine had previously arrested Johnson in May 2004, when he arrived on a commercial bus from Canada. At that time, Johnson was found in possession of marijuana and methadone.

“This latest fugitive apprehension is the result of our officer’s vigilance teamed with our high-tech tools,” stated CBP Blaine Area Port Director Peg Fearon. “This multi-layered approach has definitely enhanced our border security efforts.”

CBP uses a variety of NII technology at ports throughout the United States. In addition to the large-scale gamma-ray and x-ray imaging systems used last night, CBP deploys personal radiation detectors, radiation portal monitors and radiation isotope identifier devices. These NII tools give CBP officers the capability to efficiently and safely perform thorough examinations of cargo and conveyances without having to resort to the costly, time consuming process of unlading cargo for manual searches, or intrusive exams such as drilling and dismantling. This allows CBP officers to work smarter and faster in recognizing potential terrorist threats while simultaneously facilitating legitimate trade and travel through our ports of entry.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 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.