TSA screeners allegedly let drug couriers through LAX for cash

slimvictor

slimvictor

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Authorities filed trafficking and bribery charges against four current and former TSA screeners, alleging they received cash bribes in exchange for turning a blind eye on drugs packed in suitcases.


The man with eight pounds of methamphetamine in his carry-on bag stood in the snaking security line at Los Angeles International Airport's Terminal 4, inching toward the checkpoint, when a TSA screener approached.

But it wasn't to stop the contraband, according to prosecutors. It was to make sure it got through.

The screener, John Whitfield, allegedly told the man to get to the back of the line so he and his luggage would get to the X-ray machines when Whitfield's shift started. That way, he would be the one watching the meth show up on screen; and in exchange for $1,200, Whitfield allowed it through, according to a federal indictment unsealed Wednesday.

Authorities filed trafficking and bribery charges against Whitfield and three other current and former Transportation Security Administration screeners, alleging that they received thousands of dollars in cash bribes in exchange for turning a blind eye on drugs packed in suitcases.

The case represents a "significant breakdown of the screening system," U.S. Atty Andre Birotte Jr. said in a statement, adding that the accused screeners "placed greed above the nation's security needs."

David Herzog, the assistant U.S. attorney prosecuting the case, said the scheme had implications beyond drug trafficking.

"In this case it was narcotics; we want to make sure the next time it's not other dangerous materials," he said. Herzog added that all the drugs were seized before they left the airport.

The 40-page indictment details half a dozen incidents between January and July of 2011 in which the screeners allowed drug couriers or sources working with federal authorities to smuggle cocaine, methamphetamine or marijuana into airport terminals to be taken onto outbound flights. Also charged in the indictment are three suspected drug couriers who are accused of bribing the screeners.

cont at
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-tsa-screeners-20120426,0,4508192.story?track=rss
 
Of course they do. Every major airport in the world operates this way. Authorities are whores for cash and every bitch has his price. I dated a baggage inspector for a major airport about 6 years ago, who handled inspections of the checked luggage. He said that they would only involve the police if they found large quantities of anything. If there were small quantities, they would pocket most of it, and re-sell it. The ecstasy he would sell to me came from baggage at the airport. It's when they find any quantity of drugs on your carry-ons that you are really fucked.

All of the security rules that were created since 9/11 are just for power and control over the public. The authorities are still raking in cash and benefits from the underground. Keeping drugs illegal keeps them rich.
 
People act like this shit is new. As long as there has been smuggling, there has been palms getting greased. Period.

Happens in airports, happens at border crossings, happens in small town USA. I mean the shit is going to happen, and just like Foreigner said, everybody has a price.
 
Crooked TSA Screeners Arrested in Drug Trafficking Scheme

Multiple airport screeners have been arrested for allegedly taking handsome bribes to look the other way while loads of illegal drugs slipped through security at Los Angeles International Airport, federal officials announced today.

Two current and two former officials at the Transportation Security Administration were arrested in the last 48 hours in connection with at least five incidents from February 2011 to July 2011 in which on duty screeners took payments of up to $2,400 to allow suitcases filled with drugs to pass unimpeded through X-ray machines at LAX, U.S. Attorney Andre Birotte Jr.'s office said in a statement.

According to Birotte's office, the scheme was uncovered after a member of the alleged conspiracy accidentally went through the wrong security line and was busted by TSA screeners who were not in on the plot. In another case, a TSA screener unknowingly arranged with a confidential source for the Drug Enforcement Administration to receive $1,200 for a shipment of methamphetamine to pass through security.

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The current TSA employees, 23-year-old John Whitfield and 25-year-old Capeline McKinney, and the former screeners, 30-year-old Naral Richardson and 27-year-old Joy White, are all expected to be arraigned in Los Angeles today. If convicted, each could potentially face life in prison, Birotte's office said. The plot also allegedly involved a couple of known drug runners.

"Airport screeners act as a vital checkpoint for homeland security, and air travelers should believe in the fundamental integrity of security systems at our nation's airports," Birotte said. "The allegations in this case describe a significant breakdown of the screening system through the conduct of individuals who placed greed above the nation's security needs."


Source: TSA are so crooked its not even funny, full of thieves & pedo's
http://news.yahoo.com/feds-crooked-...ng-scheme-194312884--abc-news-topstories.html
 
I've never liked the TSA. It was so funny. Right when the South Park episode that made fun of the TSA came out, I was flying. One of the guys in the cartoon matched up with a TSA guy I saw at the airport. It was so damn funny.

They seriously act like they are the top of the country's defense and yet they are not. Apparently, they just want people to get some meth.
 
n a move that could affect security at airports around the nation, the Transportation Security Administration confirmed Wednesday it had such a backlog of background security checks, airport employers were allowed to hire any employee needed.
TSA officials said the background checks are delayed, but they are processing them as fast as they can.
TSA also will complete background checks on accepted applicants at a later date.

On Wednesday, Channel 2 obtained a Hartsfield-Jackson International airport internal security memo detailing the policy shift, but the TSA said the policy affects airports across the country. Late Wednesday afternoon, the TSA said the Atlanta backlog was resolved. There was no mention of backlogs around the country.
Before the change, any new employee was required to undergo both a TSA criminal background check and a security threat analysis because of access to certain security areas off limits to civilians.

In a statement from Washington, TSA spokesman Jon Allen said, "The TSA was recently made aware that a newly implemented change to the system used to process airline and airport employee background checks resulted in a delay for requests submitted through the American Association of Airport Executives. The cause of the issue was quickly identified, and TSA and AAAE have worked together to implement a solution."

Source: Now we know why shit like this happens... Quick anyone with felony that wants a job & has no self respect TSA is for you
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/tsa-bypasses-background-checks-new-hires/nMhrw/
 
Everyone has a price and with the profit drugs make on the black market, traffickers can more than afford to pay it. It's why the War on Drugs will never be won.
 
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