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Customs and Biosecurity warns House panel of drug smuggling and invasive‑species risks; seeks equipment, exemptions and legislation
Summary
Customs and Biosecurity officials told the House committee that ports face ongoing drug and invasive‑species threats, and asked for new X‑ray equipment, effective canine teams, funding protections and passage or prompt introduction of a pending biosecurity bill.
Director Jose Mafnes, presenting for the Division of Customs and Biosecurity, told the House Committee on Ways and Means that the division manages three ports of entry across Saipan, Tinian and Rota and faces persistent threats from drug smuggling and invasive species.
Mafnes said interception efforts this year included ‘‘about 5 pounds of crystal meth’’ and cited recent detections of invasive pests including a rhino beetle found inside airline cargo and small destructive species such as fire ants. He said some incoming containers from overseas have fraudulent treatment certificates and that inspections can reveal pests that require expensive…
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