Coast Guard, Customs & Biosecurity Team Up to Crack Down on Crime at Saipan Sea Port
Joint Effort to Combat Crime and Illegal Activities
SAIPAN, CNMI - The United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Division of Customs & Biosecurity have launched a joint Tri-Agency Strike Force operation to combat crime and illegal activities at the Saipan Sea Port.
Program Overview
The program sees agencies stationed at various locations throughout the sea port to inspect commercial vessels (CMVs) as they travel through. The strike force will also utilize K9 enforcement officers and their dogs to sniff out narcotics and individuals hidden in containers. If inspectors detect signs of illegal activity during an inspection, K9 officers can be summoned to perform a search.
Training Initiatives
The program aims to address these issues through training initiatives such as:
- Drug Interdiction Apprehension Program (ADIP)
- Department of Transportation (DOT) trainings on human trafficking/smuggling and narcotics
Challenges in the CNMI
The CNMI’s unique physical and geographical makeup, comprising 14 islands with Saipan being the largest and most populated, presents challenges for law enforcement agencies. The Department of Public Safety (DPS), responsible for motor carrier inspections, does not have personnel stationed on Tinian or Rota. As a result, two certified inspectors must travel to these islands twice a year to conduct enforcement activities.
Progress Monitoring
The program’s progress will be closely monitored by the Marine Counterterrorism and Security Program (MCSAP) commander through:
- Quarterly performance reports
- Training sessions
- Other events that benefit the program
Projected Goals for FY 2023-2025
The agencies have set ambitious goals for inspections during the next three fiscal years. The Coast Guard, as the lead agency, anticipates conducting a total of 1,500 inspections in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, with:
- 38% being Level 1 inspections
- 35.33% being Level 3 inspections
The program aims to increase its inspection capacity by working with other agencies, including the K9 Enforcement Section of the DPS, which will provide canine units to support strike force operations.
Expected Impact
With the goal of enhancing public safety and security in the CNMI, the Tri-Agency Strike Force operation is expected to make a significant impact in the fight against crime at the Saipan Sea Port.