Also Accused Of Plotting To Smuggle Watches

The challenges of assuring a truly safe border have been highlighted this week by the arrest of two Customs and Border Protection officers from Long Island on charges they were part of a bribery and drug ring at JFK International Airport.

Newsday reports federal agents charged 65-year-old supervisory officer Walter Golembiowski of Bethpage with bribery conspiracy and narcotics importation conspiracy. 51-year-old inspector John Ajello of Hicksville, was charged with bribery conspiracy. A third man, 46-year-old Victor Juzumas of Merrick, is described as a private customs broker, and faces similar charges.

The multi-jurisdictional New York Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Strike Force alleges that from 2004 to this year, Golembiowski and others allowed counterfeit goods, hashish and other drugs to be cleared through customs at JFK. Authorities say they've arrested more than 20 people during a five-year investigation, and seized more than 600 pounds of imported hashish worth about a half-million dollars.

Officials says the defendants were also caught plotting to smuggle in counterfeit Rolex, Cartier and Chanel watches, and sunglasses. Golembiowski and Ajello are accused of pocketing "tens of thousands of dollars" for their roles. Both men are said to be 20-year veterans of the Customs and Border Protection agency.

"Smuggling any kind of illegal commodity raises troubling issues at a time of deep concern over national security," US Attorney Michael J. Garcia said about the case. "The threat is heightened when a government official accepts bribes to help smugglers breach our borders."

If convicted, prison terms could range from up to five years, for Ajello to up to 70 years for Golembiowski.

FMI: www.usdoj.gov/dea/index.htm