Despite Personnel And Tech, Contraband Still Sneaks Through

Airline travel has become a huge hassle, in part because of security restrictions imposed on the industry after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. While many airline passengers welcome the added precautions in the interest of safety... are all the lines, expensive high-tech equipment and shampoo confiscations really making us safer?

The Orlando Sentinel quotes officials at Orlando International Airport in reporting that despite elaborate and expensive measures implemented after a drug and gun-running operation was exposed in Orlando, gun-smuggling through Orlando remains a problem at the airport.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority spent $5 million on security upgrades after last year's incident in which airport workers were involved in a scheme to smuggle guns to Puerto Rico, as ANN reported.

The thought that passengers could make it all the way to the terminal in Puerto Rico before they were arrested triggered a requirement that all employees entering the flight line and other secure areas be screened, every time they enter, 24 hours a day. Five mobile X-ray machines will be brought online sometime this year, dedicated to screening items carried in by employees.

Pedro Toledo, Puerto Rico's police superintendent, told the Sentinel his officers are working with agents of the US Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives bureau, "...to resolve the problem of arms and drugs that are bought here and sent through the airport to Puerto Rico."

Orlando police Chief Val Demings concurred, saying, "We have a strong presence out there keeping on top of illegal weapons coming in and out."

Both men admit the problem is ongoing, however... and that despite the airport's best efforts, guns and drugs continue to elude detection. That news is bad enough; if Orlando is one of only two airports required to screen arriving employees 24/7, what about the 400 other commercial airports in the US with even-looser requirements?

Charles Slepian, an aviation-security consultant in New York City, made this sobering observation to the Sentinel: "Keep in mind the story just last week about the cat that jumped in someone's suitcase and made it through security. I suggest a live animal is much easier to recognize than guns and explosives."

If you were looking for reassurance, you won't find it here...

FMI: www.orlandoairports.net/main.htm