Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024:
Meth worth millions found in load of crushed marble
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers at the Laredo, Texas, Port of Entry this week seized more than 400 pounds of methamphetamine valued at $3.7 million from a tractor-trailer in a single enforcement action.
A package of methamphetamine from a seizure of nearly 423 pounds of methamphetamine interdicted by CBP officers at World Trade Bridge.U.S. Customs and Border Protection
“This significant seizure of methamphetamine by our frontline CBP officers underscores the reality of the drug threat they face on a daily basis and exemplifies their determination and resolve to uphold CBP’s priority border security mission,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.
CBP seized the narcotics and trailer. Homeland Security Investigations special agents initiated a criminal investigation.
[Related: Border officials bust another truck-involved drug smuggling attempt]
Cocaine seized from broccoli load
Last week, CBP officers at the Pharr International Bridge found more than $880,000 in cocaine concealed within a tractor-trailer hauling broccoli.
Packages containing nearly 66 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Pharr International Bridge.U.S. Customs and Border Protection
“Our frontline CBP officers continue to exercise resolute vigilance, utilize their training, experience, technology and the end result is this significant seizure of cocaine,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
CBP seized the narcotics, tractor and trailer. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents initiated a criminal investigation.
Drug screening firm begins oral fluid specimen collector training
Following the approval from the Department of Transportation in 2023 to allow oral fluid drug testing as an alternative to urine testing, DOT-regulated employers will eventually be allowed to conduct drug testing using either method.
Oral fluid testing is on hold, however, as the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must first certify two labs for oral fluid testing. DOT’s move last year essentially cleared a hurdle to allow oral fluid drug testing once certified labs are available.
National Drug Screening, Inc. (NDS), a provider of drug testing services and training, announced this week its new DOT-compliant Oral Fluid Specimen Collector Training program, which will be available beginning Dec. 5, per DOT guidelines. This training will equip collectors with the necessary skills to conduct DOT oral fluid drug tests in compliance with the DOT’s latest guidelines, approved for workplace drug testing as of June 1, 2023.
While collector training may begin, testing cannot begin, pending HHS lab certifications as noted.
The introduction of oral fluid testing by the DOT provides a viable alternative to traditional urine testing, offering a non-invasive approach that reduces privacy concerns and minimizes tampering risks, NDS said. As oral fluid collections are directly observed, they improve detection accuracy for recent drug use and are particularly beneficial in situations where privacy or direct observation is a requirement.
The company's new training will include live, in-person sessions, as well as live, online event options, and computer-based on demand courses. All of these training programs will prepare collectors for the DOT’s oral fluid testing requirements. The training also incorporates practical experience with the required mock collections, essential for compliance with DOT regulations, NDS said.
For those seeking in-depth, hands-on training, NDS will offer one-day live events that will be available in cities nationwide. Sessions run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and include qualification training, live mock collections, and comprehensive instruction on DOT protocols for oral fluid specimen collection. Space is limited, NDS noted, so early registration is recommended.
In addition to individual and small-group sessions, custom programs are available for larger organizations.
[Related: Oral fluid drug testing approved by DOT]
