Dog Sniffs out Hidden Cash (Full Episode) | To Catch a Smuggler | National Geographic

Key Concepts

Narcotics smuggling, currency smuggling, cultural property smuggling, surveillance, counter-surveillance, K9 units, declaration requirements, FinCEN form, cultural artifacts, rare books, provenance, authentication, fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, multi-drug load, drug trafficking organizations (DTOs), seizures, arrests, trackers.

Narcotics Smuggling Interdiction

• Initial Interception: A CBP team is notified of a target vehicle suspected of narcotics smuggling in the San Diego area. Air support is used to maintain surveillance without being easily detected by experienced drivers who may be looking for surveillance.
• Surveillance and Staging: The target vehicle pulls into a shopping center parking lot. Surveillance units are staged in all directions, with air support maintaining oversight. The team suspects counter-surveillance tactics may be employed by the smugglers, including driver swaps and multiple stops.
• Apprehension and Seizure: A new vehicle approaches the target vehicle, and narcotics are transferred. CBP agents move in for a takedown, apprehending both the original and secondary drivers.
• Processing the Scene: Agents count and document the packages transferred to the new vehicle. The team suspects more individuals are coming to retrieve the narcotics, so they leave the area to reset and conduct further surveillance.
• Second Apprehension: A new vehicle arrives to pick up the narcotics. CBP agents move in and arrest the occupants. The vehicle and narcotics are taken to the port of entry for processing and interviews.
• Evidence and Analysis: A full search of the vehicle reveals two trackers belonging to the DTO. The seized narcotics are separated, tested, and quantified. The load includes 27 packages of methamphetamine (12.72 kilograms), almost 15 kilograms of fentanyl pills (approximately 150,000 pills), over 10 kilograms of powdered fentanyl, and about five packages of cocaine.
• Impact: The operation is deemed successful due to the significant drug seizure and the identification of multiple levels within the DTO. Disrupting the organization and preventing future smuggling attempts is emphasized as a long-term goal.

Currency Smuggling Enforcement

• Targeting Flights: CBP officers conduct a special operation targeting flights from South America, India, Türkiye, and certain African countries, which are identified as high-risk for currency smuggling due to economic conditions. A Turkish air flight is the primary focus.
• K9 Assistance: A currency and firearms detection K9 named Buddy, is used to detect undeclared currency. Buddy is described as a "passive response dog," meaning he sits, lays down, or stares when he detects currency above a trained threshold.
• Initial Passenger Screening: Officers monitor passengers disembarking from the targeted flight. Buddy alerts to a traveler's baggage.
• Interview and Search (Traveler 1): The traveler is brought in for questioning regarding currency declaration. He initially declares $1,500. He is warned that any undeclared currency found is subject to forfeiture. A search of his bags reveals no concealed currency exceeding the $10,000 threshold. The inspection is completed, and the traveler is released.
• Interview and Search (Traveler 2): A second traveler is questioned about the amount of cash he is carrying. He initially states he has no cash, then admits to having $5.
• Interview and Search (Traveler 3): A third traveler states he is traveling with $10,000. He is asked to write down the amount and initial it, creating a binding declaration.
• Interview and Search (Traveler 4): A fourth traveler initially states he is traveling with $632. After a pause, he admits to carrying an additional $60,000 that is not his. He signs a declaration for $68,632. He is questioned about the source and purpose of the money. He provides documentation and answers questions satisfactorily. He is informed of the requirement to declare currency exceeding $10,000. He fills out a FinCEN form and is released.
• Outcome: Several individuals were questioned, and one was found to be carrying over $10,000. The importance of declaring currency over $10,000 is emphasized.

Cultural Property Smuggling Investigation

• Increased Enforcement: Customs has seen an increase in the smuggling of cultural property artifacts, particularly from Egypt and Mesopotamia.
• Targeted Parcel Examination: A parcel identified by the National Targeting Center as potentially containing rare books is examined. The lack of documentation regarding origin and ownership raises suspicion.
• Initial Assessment: The books appear old. One book appears to be a Spanish arithmetic book potentially published in 1515. The other book appears to be written in Latin with handwriting on every page.
• Expert Consultation: A PhD expert, Dr. Francisco, is consulted to authenticate and assess the books.
• Book 1 Analysis (Erasmus): Dr. Francisco identifies the book as a collection of saints by Erasmus of Rotterdam, printed in September 1524. He notes annotations throughout the book, indicating it was heavily used by a scholar, student, professor, or lawyer. He states that there are only two or three known copies of this edition. One is in Germany, one in the Czech Republic, and one was in the National Library of Peru but was stolen.
• Provenance Investigation: Dr. Francisco checks the catalogue from the Library of Peru. The book does not have the place of print, unlike the books in Germany and in the Czech Republic, that they clearly say Paris. It also lacks the stamps that many libraries put just to, to prove ownership.
• Authentication Process: Dr. Francisco uses multiple senses to assess the book's authenticity, including smelling the book for the characteristic scent of old books, listening to the sound of the pages turning, and touching the paper to assess its texture. He notes that the paper is made of cloth, not wood pulp, which is characteristic of old books.
• Book 1 Conclusion: Dr. Francisco concludes that the book is an authentic 1524 edition and potentially a fourth unknown copy. The annotations make it a unique and valuable find.
• Book 2 Analysis (Arithmetic Book): The binding is parchment. An annotation in pencil states, "Facsimile Edition Balencia 1977." However, Dr. Francisco believes this is a red herring and that the book is likely an original. The book is a mathematics textbook for accounting in the 16th century. There are two versions of the book, one dedicated to a count and one dedicated to a bishop. The one dedicated to the bishop is more rare.
• Book 2 Conclusion: Dr. Francisco concludes that the arithmetic book is the real deal.
• Valuation: The Spanish arithmetic book was valued by the appraisers at $40,000 in value.
• Significance: The investigation highlights the importance of CBP in detaining potentially smuggled cultural property and returning it to its country of origin.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The video showcases the multifaceted operations of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in combating smuggling activities across various domains: narcotics, currency, and cultural property. It emphasizes the use of advanced technologies like K9 units and air support, as well as expert knowledge and collaboration with specialists, to identify, intercept, and disrupt criminal organizations. The video also highlights the importance of adhering to declaration requirements when traveling with significant amounts of currency and the role of CBP in preserving cultural heritage by preventing the illegal trafficking of artifacts. The success of these operations relies on a combination of vigilance, strategic planning, and the dedication of CBP officers.