Customs seize heroin, cocaine from HAL ship

[Jason]

By MITCH STACY

Associated Press Writer

TAMPA, Fla.

Large amounts of heroin and cocaine allegedly being smuggled into the United States were seized and 11 people arrested by law enforcement officers meeting a cruise ship at the Port of Tampa, officials said Wednesday.

The 124 pounds of heroin, sewn into clothing and concealed in shoe heels, aerosol cans, a camera and other items, is believed to be the second largest seizure of the drug in Florida history, said Steven Trent, special agent-in-charge of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Tampa office.

More than 500 small bricks of pure, uncut cocaine - 44 pounds in all - also was seized at the port Sunday, stuffed into luggage and concealed on the suspects' bodies.

Officials said the heroin was destined for New York City and the cocaine was to be delivered to Miami. The drugs would have been worth millions on the street.

Eight of the suspects were passengers on the Holland America cruise ship Noordam and were arrested after disembarking Sunday, Trent said. The other three were to meet the alleged smugglers.

"There were some of them waving from the (ship's) railing as they pulled into port," Trent said.

Officials believe the drugs originated in Colombia and were delivered to the couriers in Isla de Margarita, Venezuela, one of the stops on the 14-day cruise. No one from the cruise line was involved, officials said.

Five Venezuelans, one Colombian and one German were arrested in connection with the heroin. Four Colombians were charged with trying to smuggle the cocaine.

Denise Crawford of U.S. Customs and Border Protection said agents have seen drugs smuggled in all manner of common items - but never this many.

"What is unique is all of the types of concealment used at one time," she said.

Crawford said the bust came about as the result of a security crackdown at the ports designed to thwart terrorism. Officials would not discuss how they were tipped off about the operation, but federal court documents indicated they knew about it at least four days in advance.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI and Tampa police also were involved.

"This is just one example to indicate how different agencies can come together and be successful in the fight on drugs," Tampa police Capt. Marion Lewis said.

Trent said the state's largest heroin seizure occurred in 1991 in Miami and involved seven more pounds than were seized Sunday.

[Jason]

By MITCH STACY

Associated Press Writer

TAMPA, Fla.

Large amounts of heroin and cocaine allegedly being smuggled into the United States were seized and 11 people arrested by law enforcement officers meeting a cruise ship at the Port of Tampa, officials said Wednesday.

The 124 pounds of heroin, sewn into clothing and concealed in shoe heels, aerosol cans, a camera and other items, is believed to be the second largest seizure of the drug in Florida history, said Steven Trent, special agent-in-charge of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Tampa office.

More than 500 small bricks of pure, uncut cocaine - 44 pounds in all - also was seized at the port Sunday, stuffed into luggage and concealed on the suspects' bodies.

Officials said the heroin was destined for New York City and the cocaine was to be delivered to Miami. The drugs would have been worth millions on the street.

Eight of the suspects were passengers on the Holland America cruise ship Noordam and were arrested after disembarking Sunday, Trent said. The other three were to meet the alleged smugglers.

"There were some of them waving from the (ship's) railing as they pulled into port," Trent said.

Officials believe the drugs originated in Colombia and were delivered to the couriers in Isla de Margarita, Venezuela, one of the stops on the 14-day cruise. No one from the cruise line was involved, officials said.

Five Venezuelans, one Colombian and one German were arrested in connection with the heroin. Four Colombians were charged with trying to smuggle the cocaine.

Denise Crawford of U.S. Customs and Border Protection said agents have seen drugs smuggled in all manner of common items - but never this many.

"What is unique is all of the types of concealment used at one time," she said.

Crawford said the bust came about as the result of a security crackdown at the ports designed to thwart terrorism. Officials would not discuss how they were tipped off about the operation, but federal court documents indicated they knew about it at least four days in advance.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI and Tampa police also were involved.

"This is just one example to indicate how different agencies can come together and be successful in the fight on drugs," Tampa police Capt. Marion Lewis said.

Trent said the state's largest heroin seizure occurred in 1991 in Miami and involved seven more pounds than were seized Sunday.

[DaCruzNut]

Boy, it's a good thing that they didn't try to smuggle any fruit off the ship!

[DaCruzNut]

Boy, it's a good thing that they didn't try to smuggle any fruit off the ship!