MIAMI — (MIAMI) -- U.S. authorities in South Florida are stepping up efforts to crackdown on a recent surge in weapons smuggling to Haiti and the Caribbean, according to Homeland Security officials.
An unusual uptick in the number of high-caliber weapons coming out of the U.S. is believed to be connected with spikes in violence driven by transnational criminal organizations.
HSI is actively pursuing dozens of open investigations in the region related to smuggling. Officials are hesitant to release exact numbers and specifics to avoid compromising prosecutions. The enforcement crackdown has been coordinated through multiple federal agencies that are part of specialized teams including Customs and Border Protection, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Department of Commerce.
The Haitian freighters that dock along the 3-4 mile stretch of river are different than the hyper-organized container ships typically seen at large ports. These smaller vessels that dock along the Miami river are more like giant tugboats. Individual packages are often loaded by hand, making it a prime situation for smuggling.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
South Florida firefighter fired for anti-police note after officer killedA South Florida firefighter has been fired after anti-police comments he made in a group message following the fatal shooting of Det. Cesar Echaverry, a 29-year-old Miami-Dade police officer.
Read more »
Fox News Star Falsely Claims Miami Is Safer Than NYCDespite the Fox News star's confident boasting, Florida’s murder rate is actually much higher than New York’s—and the same goes for Miami compared to New York City.
Read more »
Miami Firefighter Behind ‘Who Cares' Message About Slain Cop Fired'Who cares another dead cop probably against gun control,' the message read, in part. 'Cops exist for the government to exercise its monopoly on violence. They want the whole world to stop when one of theirs goes down.'
Read more »
Miami firefighter fired after writing 'who cares' about officer's deathA firefighter in Miami has been fired after writing 'who cares' in a profanity-laced text about law enforcement officers after a Miami-Dade police officer was shot and killed in the line of duty.
Read more »
Miami firefighter fired for comments about slain officerA Miami first responder has been fired after he allegedly wrote disparaging messages about police and a recently slain detective, authorities said.
Read more »
Florida firefighter loses job over response to local police officer's murderA Miami firefighter was fired after he unleashed a profanity-laced tirade about law enforcement in a group chat discussing the recent death of a Miami police officer.
Read more »