HAI tells ANN that open sections of the US-Canadian border present major security vulnerabilities for the United States, increasing the chance that individuals could smuggle radioactive materials into the country without being detected (according to what government investigators told Congress, September 27).

Senators demanded to know how much more personnel and technology the Homeland Security Department needs to secure the nation's border with Canada, after government investigators were able to sneak into the United States undetected on multiple occasions while simulating the smuggling of radioactive materials.

At the Senate Finance Committee hearing, Senators expressed outrage over the GAO findings. On three different occasions, GAO investigators probed apparently unmonitored and unmanned sections of the northern border, finding that they could sneak from Canada into the United States undetected even while carrying a red duffel bag to simulate the smuggling of radioactive materials or other contraband. The GAO concluded that Customs and Border Protection, part of the Homeland Security Department (DHS), faces major challenges along the northern border. 
 
Helicopter Association International (HAI) has learned the GAO observed a large presence of law enforcement personnel and Army National Guard troops in one state, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles, along the Mexican border. The report does not specify the state, but it is likely Arizona, where DHS is initiating the first phase of the SBInet program. The Sbinet program is intended to build a virtual fence along the border using technology and infrastructure, but has been delayed due to technical glitches. Further, the GAO has concluded "that more human capital and technological capabilities are needed to effectively protect the northern border."

FMI: www.rotor.com