NEW FORCE PATROLS BORDER

Smugglers, Drug Pushers Are Targeted

A joint marine security force is hoping to close the flood gates on
smugglers, drug pushers and organized criminals who have been
thriving on local waterways.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Coast Guard
(CCG) will man the four-vessel joint marine patrols, two of which
will focus primarily on the Detroit River -- St. Clair River region.

"This is the area of greatest concern in terms of organized crime . .
. that's the major choke point," said the coast guard's Lawrence
Swift. "Whenever you have a border close . . . the smuggling of goods
and even people is something that is of concern."

The force will focus its patrols along the Great Lakes and St.
Lawrence Seaway, creating a security capacity that has never before
existed, said Mauril Belanger, Minister for Internal Trade and
Associate Minister of Defence, in a press release.

The initiative is part of a $300 million, five-year package announced
in April that is designed to enhance the security of Canada's marine
transportation system and maritime borders.

Swift said the patrol initiative will also strengthen Canada's
response to potential threats, whether domestic or terrorist.

"The length of shoreline and the amount of water ... it was
impossible for existing security forces to keep track of everything
on the water," he said. "Having the people ready to respond is all
part of the overall picture . . . to keep the border secure."

The timing of the announcement had nothing to do with the terrorist
bombings in London, Swift said.

Both the RCMP and CCG will also be afforded the opportunity to draw
off each other's resources and expertise, said Swift, which will
improve security.

The RCMP enforces laws relating to national security, such as
organized crime, illegal drugs, smuggling and immigration. The coast
guard will be responsible for the acquisition, operation and
maintenance of the vessels.

The vessels will also provide a fast operating platform to support
RCMP emergency response teams and the Canadian Forces when mounting
immediate response to terrorist incidents or other threats and will
co-operate with U.S. agencies.

Four new vessels have been ordered and will be patrolling the waters in 2009.

However, four temporary boats will begin patrols this weekend,
including the CCG cutter Cape Hurd and the RCMP patrol vessel
Simmonds, which will be responsible for the local patrols.

Each will boast a crew of four coast guard employees and two police officers.

A report just released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,
in conjunction with Mexican and Canadian governments, has also
identified a will to establish a single, integrated North American
Trusted Traveller Program in less than three years.

Enrolled participants will have access to all trusted traveller
dedicated lanes at all land, air and sea ports of entry.