The US Coast Guard, in partnership with several agencies, has increased its efforts to inspect shipping containers at the Port of New York and New Jersey.
This week, Coast Guard Sector New York conducted three spot checks at port warehouses and found that 60% of the containers inspected were not compliant with hazardous material regulations.
These targeted inspections were carried out based on container screening data shared by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The goal is to find undeclared hazardous cargo before it becomes a danger to port safety, vessel crews, or the public.
Authorities said the collaboration between the Coast Guard and CBP has grown significantly stronger over the past year.
When CBP spots suspicious items or irregularities during their container screenings, they alert Coast Guard Sector New York teams. These teams then conduct specialised inspections focused on identifying hidden hazardous materials.
According to the deputy chief of Safety and Security Operations at Coast Guard Sector New York, CBP’s improved targeting technology has made it easier for teams to respond faster and with more accuracy.
The officer mentioned that their ongoing goal is to build on the progress of Operation Terminus by maintaining enforcement and collaboration efforts throughout the year.
The recent joint inspection efforts follow the success of Operation Terminus, a multi-agency enforcement mission carried out over five days in late February.
The operation focused on preventing the illegal export of dangerous and stolen items through terminals in Port Newark, New Jersey, and Brooklyn.
During Operation Terminus, authorities seized eight containers filled with undeclared hazardous materials and issued shipper violations totalling $88,000.
They also intercepted 33 stolen vehicles valued at over $2.4 million. These vehicles were headed for countries in Western Africa.
Officials said that many of the intercepted containers posed serious risks, including vehicles with connected batteries and full gasoline tanks.
These types of shipments can lead to fires or explosions if not handled properly.
A Coast Guard officer said the results of the operation show how determined the agency is to keep US ports safe and prevent criminal groups from using the international supply chain for illegal activities.
The partnership and increased vigilance, the official noted, are helping strengthen port security and allow for the safe transport of legitimate goods.
The Coast Guard also highlighted how the findings from Operation Terminus show the urgent need for continued cargo checks.
Improperly documented hazardous materials not only put workers and ship crews in danger but also post threats to international shipping and national security.
A marine science technician from Coast Guard Sector New York, who specialises in container inspections, said their role in identifying hazardous materials and stopping criminal activities makes their work meaningful and impactful.
Operation Terminus was launched in February 2023 and continues as a joint enforcement program. It brings together teams and resources from the Coast Guard, CBP, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and local police departments.
Their goal is to stop the illegal export of vehicles and crack down on violations related to hazardous cargo.
Reference: USCG
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