Feds: Drug seizures down following attacks

By Beth Lewandowski
CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Drug traffickers may be laying low after the September 11 terrorist attacks.

According to the U.S. Customs Service, drug seizures at U.S. border crossings are "noticeably down" in the last two weeks.

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"We are not seeing the numbers of seizures we typically see, and we believe it's because of the heightened security," says U.S. Customs Service spokesman Barry Morrissey. "The people that would normally try to move illicit goods through ports of entry realize that security is at a higher level."

Within one hour of the terrorist attacks, the Customs Service placed all of its personnel and facilities on Level 1 "Code Red" alert. That is its highest of four levels of alert, which requires substantially increased vigilance by Customs officers during the processing of passengers and vehicles entering the country. It also requires the deployment of additional U.S. Customs officers at designated airports around the country to assist the Department of Justice in increased security.

"We are questioning more people and looking at more goods than ever before," said Acting Commissioner Charles Winwood in a press conference the day after the attacks. The Customs Service will remain on Level 1 alert until further notice.

The U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders have remained open to traffic and commerce since the attacks. However, severe delays were reported in the days after the attack, and officials were asking for patience from the traveling public. As of Saturday, most border crossings were reporting little to no delays.

A list detailing wait times at northern and southern land border ports of entry is posted daily at: http://www.customs.gov/news/sept11/bordertimes.htm.