Narcotics Enforcement
San Diego Drug Tunnel
ICE investigates narcotics smuggling organizations and the methods utilized to smuggle contraband across U.S. borders. Smuggling methods include the use of high-speed vessels, cargo containers, aircraft, commercial trucking, commercial vessel and human carriers.
The National Security Presidential Directive/NSPD-25 directs U.S. government agencies to attack the vulnerabilities of drug trafficking organizations by disrupting key business sectors and weakening the economic basis of the drug trade. The illegal drug market in the U.S. is based on illegal narcotics grown or manufactured in foreign countries and smuggled across our nation's borders.
ICE agents enforce a wide range of criminal statutes including Title 18 and Title 19 of the U.S. Code. These statutes address general smuggling issues as well as customs violations. ICE also enforces Title 21, which covers the importation, distribution, manufacture and possession of illegal narcotics.
ICE agents have extensive knowledge of the border environment and techniques employed by smuggling organizations to transport contraband into the United States. This expertise has been gained through years of experience in conducting undercover operations, utilizing confidential informants, special enforcement operations and conducting contraband smuggling investigations.
The methods used by smuggling organizations are always changing and through continued training, the use of emerging technologies and dedication, ICE has maintained its expertise in disrupting and dismantling these criminal organizations.
Recent News
9/27/2012 Sanjuan, PR Operation Overtime nets 16 arrests for drug trafficking and money laundering
9/25/2012 Fresno, CA Final defendant linked to northern California meth ring pleads guilty
9/24/2012 Bangor, ME 6 Maine men charged in marijuana manufacturing operation
9/21/2012 Brownsville, TX Houston man convicted in south Texas of witness tampering, drug trafficking
9/21/2012 New York, NY Organized crime task force dismantle heroin operation, $20 million in heroin seized
9/20/2012 San Juan, PR HSI, Caribbean Corridor Strike Force seize 918 kilograms of cocaine, arrest 3
