IT’S NOT WHAT THEY MIGHT FIND THAT WORRIES THEM. IT’S WHAT THEY MIGHT MISS

No One Is Above Suspicion as Federal Agents at New York’s JFK International Airport

Go on the Hunt To Catch a Smuggler

New Series Premieres Monday, October 8, at 9 PM ET/PT

(WASHINGTON, D.C) Millions of dollars of contraband are seized annually by agents and officers with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, one of the largest hubs for international travel in the United States. It’s a job where everything — from the safety of their team to the security of the nation — is at stake. Any stone left unturned is an opportunity for criminal activity that could put the country at risk. The only thing they’re often given to act on: gut instinct.

Go behind the X-ray scanners and security doors at JFK with officers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the new series To Catch a Smuggler, premiering Oct. 8 at 9 PM ET/PT on the National Geographic Channel. Nothing and no one is above suspicion.

Two major agencies at JFK work together to limit the amount of illegal drugs and banned goods coming into the United States. CBP officers stand at the gates, checking passports and assessing passengers; they are the first line of defense, tasked with observing suspicious activities and making inquiries. ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents take these cases to the next level to uncover the real source of the criminal activity by exposing contraband and eliciting confessions. Now National Geographic goes where cameras are rarely allowed — into the interrogation room with agents as they identify, search, question and arrest criminals, engaging in a cat-and-mouse game for the truth.

Supervisory officer Joe Finn, who leads a team of CBP officers, says, “I love catching drugs … I mean that’s what I find more fun than anything. It’s always coming in …. It’s a hunt. And when you find it, it’s very satisfying.”

People employ numerous methods to smuggle drugs into the country. Sometimes it’s a clever form of concealment; most times, less so. In an early episode, thorough detective work causes the story of an Ecuadorian man to unravel, and despite continued protestations an X-ray reveals that he’s swallowed large pellets of liquid heroin. Later in the series, a random baggage search by CBP officers of an 18-year-old reveals cocaine in the lining of his luggage, seeping out through the cracks in his suitcase and mixing in with his clothes. After he’s arrested, HSI agents convince him to cooperate and start naming names.

Drugs aren’t the only thing these agents are looking for. Fruits, meats and other foreign produce, potentially carrying harmful pests and bacteria that could devastate the country’s agricultural industry, are confiscated and destroyed, including nearly 25,000 seizures in 2011 alone. Officers in the mail room inspect nearly 700,000 packages a day for drugs, counterfeit money, exotic animals or worse. For ICE and CBP agents, it’s all in day’s work.

Premiere Episodes Include:

To Catch a Smuggler: Courier to Kingpin

Premieres Monday, Oct. 8, at 9 p.m. ET/PT

At New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, one of the largest hubs for international travel in the United States, officers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are always on the hunt for contraband. When a flight arrives from South America, the CBP team sends the plane’s luggage through X-ray and then to the K-9 team, which immediately picks up on a package containing crystal meth. Next, CBP Officer Redpath interviews a traveler returning from his wedding ceremony in Bangladesh. The passenger admits to filing a false report about his kidnapped parents at the U.S. Embassy, which further intrigues Officer Redpath — is this a crime for CBP or the FBI? A Guyana flight arrives with a man making his third trip in the past year — a little too frequent, in the officers’ opinions. After inspecting the passenger’s bag, the team finds 4 kilos of cocaine. A young kid arrives from the Dominican Republic and Officer Finn has a suspicion about him. After seven calls to relatives fail to verify the young man’s story, Officer Finn decides to take him in for an X-ray.

To Catch a Smuggler: Cavity Courier

Premieres Monday, Oct. 15, at 9 p.m. ET/PT

A flight arrives from Guyana, a recent hot spot for smuggling activity, and CBP Officer Elias has his eye on a particularly nervous passenger. As soon as Officer Elias opens the man’s bag, he sees a false bottom concealing cocaine. Officer Redpath interviews a woman from Paraguay about the stamps in her passport. It takes very little coaxing to get this woman to admit to living illegally in the U.S. for seven years — and she’s not going to be admitted into the U.S. today. A Jamaican man is stopped by CBP officers and becomes very nervous. After the officers remove his shoes, they discover cocaine in the bottom worth around $60,000. On another arriving flight from Guyana, a woman in baggage claim keeps looking back at the officers — is this a dead giveaway for a smuggler? After Officer Finn’s tough interrogation proves futile, he tries a gentler approach with the woman, which ultimately leads to her confession.

To Catch a Smuggler: Hidden Heroin

Premieres Monday, Oct. 22, at 9 p.m. ET/PT

When a man arrives from Ecuador without luggage, CBP Officer Finn wastes no time meeting him at baggage claim for questioning. The team brings him into a private room for a pat-down and the traveler’s story begins to unravel, forcing the officers to do an X-ray for ingested drug pellets. CBP’s target team discovers a package containing engine pistons. When the weights of each piston begin to differ drastically, the officers decide to drill for drugs, leading them to a heroin trafficker in D.C. Later, a very nervous traveler arrives on a flight from Nigeria. As Officer Finn probes, the man seems to be stumbling over his story.

To Catch a Smuggler: Coke in the Coat

Premieres Monday, Oct. 29, at 9 p.m. ET/PT

A family arrives on a flight from Peru carrying bags full of leather jackets. After CBP officers go through the bags, they discover cocaine in the lining of the coats. The father admits to transporting the bags, but claims he never knew he was carrying drugs. In the mail room, Officer Boris identifies a package containing a photo album … and half a pound of heroin worth around $13,000. When flights arrive from Pakistan, Egypt and Kuwait simultaneously, Officer Elias is already on his toes, but when a radiation detector starts going off, the team must identify the source without causing panic among the passengers.

To Catch a Smuggler: Search & Seize

Premieres Monday, Nov. 5, at 10 p.m. ET/PT

For CBP officers Ramirez and Finn, an 18-year-old trying to smuggle cocaine in the lining of his suitcase proves to be a slam dunk. When he is selected for a random baggage search, CBP officers find the narcotic seeping through cracks in his suitcase. Now they work to get him to cooperate and start naming names. Later, at immigration, an unemployed man from Nigeria claims to be in the country to purchase computer parts while traveling with just $100. Through deft ICE interrogation, his story starts to unravel, and he may be barred from the U.S. for five years. Finally, a woman from Jamaica attempts to smuggle undeclared food, and cockroaches are crawling out of her bag.

For more information, visit www.natgeotv.com or www.ngcpr.com.

To Catch A Smuggler is produced by National Geographic Television (NGT) for the National Geographic Channel (NGC). For NGT, the Executive Producer is Jerry Decker. For NGC, Executive Producer is Madeleine Carter, Vice President of Production and Development is Kevin Mohs and Executive Vice President of Production is Michael Cascio.

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National Geographic Channels

Based at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Channels US are a joint venture between National Geographic and Fox Cable Networks. The Channels contribute to the National Geographic Society’s commitment to exploration, conservation and education with smart, innovative programming and profits that directly support its mission. Launched in January 2001, National Geographic Channel (NGC) celebrated its fifth anniversary with the debut of NGC HD. In 2010, the wildlife and natural history cable channel Nat Geo WILD was launched, and in 2011, the Spanish-language network Nat Geo Mundo was unveiled. The Channels have carriage with all of the nation’s major cable, telco and satellite television providers, with NGC currently available in 84 million U.S. homes. Globally, National Geographic Channel is available in 440 million homes in 171 countries and 38 languages. For more information, visit www.natgeotv.com.

Media Contact:

Stephanie Montgomery; (202)-912-6632, smontgomery@natgeotv.com

Passenger Indicted for Assaulting Flight Attendant

ANCHORAGE—U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced that a federal grand jury in Anchorage has indicted Kyong Cha Lee, 56, of Aiea, Hawaii, for assaulting a flight attendant.

According to the indictment, on August 19, 2012, while Alaska Airlines Flight 871 was inbound to Anchorage, Alaska, from Hawaii, Lee intentionally assaulted a flight attendant by striking her with both hands and profanely threatening her. Lee is the sole defendant named in the indictment.

“When an incident occurs onboard a commercial flight inbound to Alaska, the United States Attorney’s Office will often have exclusive jurisdiction over the offense,” said Karen L. Loeffler, United States Attorney. “Federal law does not tolerate passengers who physically assault airline crew members, and significant fines and jail sentences can be imposed for those who violate these laws. Although Ms. Lee’s charge is a misdemeanor, flight crew interference incidents can result in a felony conviction, 20 years’ imprisonment, and fines of up to $250,000.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle G. French, who presented the case to the grand jury, indicated that Lee’s charge provides for a maximum sentence of six months in jail, a $5,000 fine, or both. Under federal sentencing statutes, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Man Wanted in Pinal County Apprehended by CBP Officers at Phoenix Sky Harbor

Phoenix — A male U.S. citizen wanted in Pinal County since October 2011 was apprehended yesterday at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport after disembarking a flight from Hermosillo, Mexico.

Customs and Border Protection officers recognized Iran Federico Sotelo, 22, of Glendale, Ariz., during processing at the airport. After confirming the warrant out of Pinal County, which charges the subject for possession and transport of marijuana for sale, officers contacted the Phoenix Police Department to take custody of Sotelo.

The Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within Customs and Border Protection tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at our nation’s ports. CBP officers screen all people, vehicles and goods entering the United States while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. Their mission also includes carrying out border-related duties, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration and trade laws, and protecting the nation's food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.

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.

Individual Arrested for Interference with a Flight Crew and Assault

Today the FBI arrested Fafane Daniel, age 32, for interfering with a flight crew and assault. Daniel boarded Southwest Airlines flight 2509 this morning, which departed from Fort Lauderdale and was bound for Las Vegas. The flight was diverted to New Orleans Armstrong International Airport due to an in-flight altercation between Daniel and another passenger. The plane landed in New Orleans at approximately 7:30 a.m., and Daniel was arrested shortly thereafter.

Daniel will make her initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge this afternoon. The case will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

The public is reminded that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Dulles CBP Officers Sniff Out Perfumed Marijuana

Sterling, VA. – The heavy scent of perfume emanating from a passenger’s handbag couldn’t disguise her marijuana from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Washington Dulles International Airport Monday. Nor did it save her from a hefty $500 Zero Tolerance penalty.

The passenger, a 20-year-old woman and lawful permanent resident of the United States, arrived from Ethiopia around 8 a.m. During a secondary inspection, a CBP officer discovered two heavily-perfumed plastic baggies in the woman’s purse. The baggies collectively contained 2.5 grams of a green, leafy substance that field-tested positive for marijuana.

Due to the small amount considered for personal use, no criminal charges were filed. The woman paid the $500 penalty and CBP officers released her.

“Whether its four pounds or 2.5 grams, Customs and Border Protection officers are highly skilled at detecting and intercepting illicit narcotics that passengers attempt to smuggle through our nation’s ports of entry,” said Christopher Hess, CBP Port Director for the Port of Washington. “Those caught face serious consequences – from a significant monetary penalty to criminal charges and incarceration. This passenger learned that costly lesson.”

For more on CBP’s border security mission at our nation’s Ports of Entry, please visit the attached website.

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.

Ex-TSA Officers Indicted for Conspiring and Attempting to Smuggle Drugs Through Hartfield-Jackson

ATLANTA—Two ex-TSA Officers were indicted today for conspiring and attempting to smuggle cocaine through Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport at a time when they were employed by TSA, announced Sally Quillian Yates, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. Richard C. Cook, II, 27, of Henry County, Georgia; and Timothy G. Gregory, 25, of DeKalb County, Georgia, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for multiple counts of drug trafficking. In addition to the cocaine charges, Cook was charged with attempting to possess with intent to distribute heroin.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, “Our nation’s well-being depends, in part, on the security of its airports. Moreover, the citizens of this district are entitled to law enforcement officers who obey the laws that they have sworn to enforce. The crimes with which Cook and Gregory are charged created a breach in the security of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and betrayed the trust of millions of passengers who travel through this airport each year.”

James E. Ward, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General (OIG), Atlanta Field Office, stated, “The DHS-OIG is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and aggressively investigate all allegations of corruption to protect the integrity of DHS personnel, programs, and operations. Acts of corruption within DHS represent a threat to our nation and undermine the honest and hardworking employees who strive to maintain the integrity of the Department. Corruption will not be tolerated and those who choose to break the law will be pursued vigilantly.”

Brian D. Lamkin, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated, “These types of investigations are priorities within our criminal program because of the vast potential harm caused by such actions as is alleged in this indictment. The FBI will continue to work with our various law enforcement partners in identifying and aggressively investigating those individuals who would betray the public trust for personal greed.”

Chris Atwater, Assistant Chief Deputy United States Marsha, stated, “The United States Marshals Service is committed to protecting the public whose safety is entrusted to us each day. This case is an example of the agency’s commitment to ensure that those who hold a position of public trust and violate such will be fully investigated.”

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: Beginning in January 2012, on multiple occasions, Cook and Gregory misused their positions as officers with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to smuggle what they believed to be illegal drugs through Atlanta’s airport security.

More specifically, on January 11, 2012, Cook met with two undercover officers, both of whom were posing as drug cartel members. During the meeting, the undercover officers provided Cook with three kilograms of fake drugs, which Cook believed to be heroin, and $3,500 in cash, which was partial payment to Cook to smuggle the fake drugs through airport security. Thereafter, Cook, who was wearing his TSA uniform, went to the airport, transported the sham drugs through the TSA security checkpoint, and delivered the sham drugs to an undercover officer inside the terminal. Cook was then paid another $4,000 in cash, which was the remaining payment for smuggling the sham drugs through security.

Similarly, on January 26, 2012, Cook met with an undercover officer before Cook reported for his TSA shift at the airport. During this meeting, the undercover officer provided Cook with three kilograms of fake drugs that Cook believed to be heroin and $4,000 in cash, which was partial payment to Cook to smuggle the fake drugs through airport security. Thereafter, Cook, who was wearing his TSA uniform, went to the airport, transported the fake kilograms through the TSA security checkpoint, and delivered the sham drugs to another undercover officer in the terminal. The undercover officer then paid Cook $3,500, which was the remaining portion of Cook’s fee for smuggling the sham drugs through security. In both sting operations, Cook believed that he was smuggling heroin through airport security.

In February 2012, Cook resigned from the TSA. However, Cook recruited TSA Officer Gregory to assist with the drug smuggling operation. Cook introduced Gregory to the undercover officers who were posing as drug traffickers and received a referral fee of $1,000.

On February 24, 2012, an undercover officer provided Gregory with five kilograms of fake cocaine and $5,000 in cash. Thereafter, Gregory, who was wearing his TSA uniform, went to the airport, transported the fake cocaine through the TSA security checkpoint, and delivered the sham drugs to another undercover officer in the terminal.

On May 4, 2012, undercover officers provided Gregory with 10 kilograms of fake cocaine, which Gregory had agreed to transport from Atlanta to Commerce, Georgia.

The indictment charges each defendant with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and multiple counts of substantive drug trafficking. The most serious of the charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000,000. In determining the actual sentence, the court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security-Office of the Inspector General, and the United States Marshals Service.

Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey W. Davis is prosecuting the case.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following website: www.justthinktwice.com.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Information Office at USAGAN.Pressemails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the HomePage for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is www.justice.gov/usao/gan.