TIGHTER BORDER HAS IMPACT ON CRIMINALS, MEDIA TOLD

Tightened border security since the World Trade Centre tragedy in 2001 has
been bad for criminals.

"It's actually the worst thing that could have happened to them," said Ron
Flowers, a regional intelligence officer, intelligence and contraband
division, with Canada Border Services Agency.

Speaking at a luncheon of Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers, Flowers said border
officers are better trained, and the federal government has poured $600
million to improve border infrastructure and technology to combat criminals.

"There has been greater co-operation from the public among policing
agencies on both sides of the border."

An $11-million cocaine seizure at the Sarnia border crossing in December
2001, is one of the main incidents recalled by Flowers.

Besides the 60 kilograms of the drug, $725,000 in American currency and
$39,000 in perfumes and clothing were discovered when a truck originating
in the southern United States was stopped at Sarnia.

The driver had been under watch by border employees thanks to a tip, said
Flowers. The driver is now serving a nine-year prison term.

Guns and drugs are among the items grabbed at the borders and some of the
instances were bizarre.

In one instance, a man was sewn into the chair of a van. In another, a
woman had money taped to her body. And, more recently, $110,000 in currency
was seized at the border in Windsor.

"There's nothing better than taking the currency out of the hands of the
bad guys," said Flowers.

One of the reasons that drugs and guns can be stopped at the border is the
CBSA, a partnership between Canadian immigration, customs and the Canadian
Food Inspection Agency, he said.

"Goods people and food are all under one umbrella."

Flowers also said the Partners in Protection program is a key to stemming
the flow of drugs and contraband at border crossings.

Trucking and shipping companies and other groups similar to Crime Stoppers,
provide extra eyes to help watch for suspicious activity at the border, he
said.

Anyone who wants to report suspicious border activity can call 1-888-502-9060.