Cargo Theft Passes Drug Smuggling as Security Concern, Experts Say

img src="/sites/default/files/images/articles/printeditiontag_new.gif" width=120 align=right>WASHINGTON — Tougher federal drug laws and increased security at U.S. borders since the 9/11 terrorist attacks have led criminals to shift their activities from drug smuggling to a new focus on cargo theft, bringing sophisticated tactics with them, security experts said recently.

Experienced drug smugglers, faced with a greater chance of inspection and tough mandatory sentencing guidelines, are turning their attention to cargo theft, said Barry Brandman, president of security consulting company Danbee Investigations.

In addition, cargo thieves have built criminal networking partnerships and are using technology to their advantage, making off with billions of dollars per year, with a relatively small risk of punishment.