Narcotics Enforcement
San Diego Drug Tunnel
ICE investigates narcotics smuggling organizations and the methods utilized to smuggle contraband across U.S. borders. Smuggling methods include the use of high-speed vessels, cargo containers, aircraft, commercial trucking, commercial vessel and human carriers.
The National Security Presidential Directive/NSPD-25 directs U.S. government agencies to attack the vulnerabilities of drug trafficking organizations by disrupting key business sectors and weakening the economic basis of the drug trade. The illegal drug market in the U.S. is based on illegal narcotics grown or manufactured in foreign countries and smuggled across our nation's borders.
ICE agents enforce a wide range of criminal statutes including Title 18 and Title 19 of the U.S. Code. These statutes address general smuggling issues as well as customs violations. ICE also enforces Title 21, which covers the importation, distribution, manufacture and possession of illegal narcotics.
ICE agents have extensive knowledge of the border environment and techniques employed by smuggling organizations to transport contraband into the United States. This expertise has been gained through years of experience in conducting undercover operations, utilizing confidential informants, special enforcement operations and conducting contraband smuggling investigations.
The methods used by smuggling organizations are always changing and through continued training, the use of emerging technologies and dedication, ICE has maintained its expertise in disrupting and dismantling these criminal organizations.
Recent News
9/13/2012 Chicago, IL 43 alleged members and associates of the Latin Kings street gang
9/13/2012 Wilmington, DE Former US Army captain pleads guilty to importing heroin from Afghanistan
9/12/2012 San Luis Obispo, CA 13 suspects charged following interdiction of pot-laden 'panga' near San Simeon
9/10/2012 Houston, TX Guatemalan woman arrested for allegedly smuggling heroin in powdered juice mix
9/7/2012 Philadelphia, PA Former airline employee sentenced to 18 months for bulk cash smuggling
9/7/2012 San Juan, PR HSI arrests 3, seizes 6 kilograms of heroin
