June 21, 2020 – In Breaking News – New York Post
Coronavirus business closures have left drug traffickers high and dry when it comes to laundering their ill-gotten gains — and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has been using the opportunity to clean up, The Post has learned.
In April and May of this year, investigators from the New York DEA office seized $16 million in cash from a sophisticated money-laundering operation involving Chinese gangsters, Mexican drug cartels and local Dominican pushers — compared to just $5 million in the same period last year.
Similarly, in the first two weeks of June, agents confiscated $3.1 million, compared to $1.2 million in 2019.
“Our office is busier than ever, drug trafficking is continuing in the New York metropolitan area. The demand for drugs has remained high during this pandemic,” Ray Donovan, the special agent in charge of the New York DEA, told The Post.
“While the country’s primary focus should be the pandemic, the shadow of the pandemic is the drug business,” he added.
The coronavirus led to an uptick in cash confiscations because it derailed a complex drug-trafficking scheme between the Mexican Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels, Dominican drug dealers and various factions of the Chinese Triads organized-crime syndicate.
(Preventative measures around the world to stem the spread of coronavirus has severed supply chains and international transport. Here is how illegal drug trade has been affected by this disruption. Courtesy of TRT World and YouTube. Posted on May 21, 2020.)
Before the pandemic hit, the cartels distributed fentanyl-laced heroin to the street-level Dominican dealers, who in turn kicked up cash profits to the Chinese gangsters.
The Chinese criminals would then use the money to buy goods in the US — cellphones, computers, cars — and flip them in China for a profit before paying back the cartel traffickers.
A phone bought in the US for $500 could sell in China for as much as $2,000, Special Agent Donovan said.
When stores in New York shut as the city went on lockdown, the gangsters couldn’t go shopping for the goods, leaving them with an excess amount of cash — and opportunity for the feds to seize it.
Continue reading… Coronavirus closures help DEA seize millions of dollars from drug traffickers
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DEA Honored in 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards, JIATF-S Recognized in 2018
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
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Excellence in Homeland Security
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The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Initiative
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The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day hosted by the DEA and its national, tribal and community partners aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S)
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‘Excellence in Homeland Security
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JIATF South, United States Multi-Service, Multi-Agency Task Force
(Learn More about the JIATF South, a multiagency task force that executes detection and monitoring of illicit trafficking across all domains, and facilitates international and interagency interdiction to enable the disruption and dismantlement of illicit and converging threat networks in support of national and hemispheric security. Courtesy of JIATF and YouTube.)
The U.S. Coast Guard, ICE ERO and FBI IC3 Nominated in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program
Enter today to Compete in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland SecurityAwards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.
The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is specifically designed to honor distinguished government and vendor solutions that deliver enhanced value, benefit and intelligence to end users in a variety of government, homeland security and public safety vertical markets.
The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program highlighting the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition, and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.
American Security Today is pleased to announce that Deann Criswell, the NYC Emergency Management Commissioner will deliver the keynote address at the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon Banquet in New York City.
90% of ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners return to compete in the Annual ‘ASTORS‘ Homeland Security Awards Program, and 100% of ‘ASTORS’ Sponsors have returned year to year to reap the benefits of their participation in the industry’s largest and most comprehensive Annual Awards Program.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.
Comprehensive List of Categories Include:
| Access Control/ Identification | Personal/Protective Equipment | Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism |
| Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System | Interagency Interdiction Operation | Cloud Computing/Storage Solution |
| Facial/IRIS Recognition | Body Worn Video Product | Cyber Security |
| Video Surveillance/VMS | Mobile Technology | Anti-Malware |
| Audio Analytics | Disaster Preparedness | ID Management |
| Thermal/Infrared Camera | Mass Notification System | Fire & Safety |
| Metal/Weapon Detection | Rescue Operations | Critical Infrastructure |
| License Plate Recognition | Detection Products | And Many Others! |
Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?
With the unprecedented occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of the safety and security industries has realized the need to increase innovations to address the daily growing challenges.
As such AST aims to make sure these firms and professionals are reflected in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, so we’d like to encourage you to submit appropriate categories recommendations and include COVID-19 Frontline Professionals in your Nominations to see that these Professionals, Facilities, and Vendors receive the Recognition they Deserve!
Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
The 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program surpassed expectations with a record number of nominations received from industry leaders and government agencies, and drew over 200 attendees to the ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Banquet – an exclusive gourmet luncheon and networking opportunity which filled to capacity, before having to turn away late registrants.
The event featured an impassioned and compelling keynote address by William J. Bratton, former police commissioner of the New York Police Department (NYPD) twice, the Boston Police Department (BPD), and former chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), as he walked attendees through 50 years of American policing history, the impacts on the communities, and the evolution of critical communication capabilities in our post 9/11 landscape.
Commissioner Bratton, one of the world’s most respected and trusted experts on risk and security issues and Executive Chairman of Teneo Risk a global advisory firm, was recognized as the ‘2019 ‘ASTORS’ Person of the Year’ for his Lifetime of Dedication and Extraordinary Leadership in Homeland Security and Public Safety.
The 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was sponsored by ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, Desktop Alert, and SWORD Technologies, every one a returning Sponsor from 2018.
Why the ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program?
American Security Today’s comprehensive Annual Homeland Security Awards Program is organized to recognize the most distinguished vendors of physical, IT, port security, law enforcement, and first responders, in acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to ‘Keep our Nation Secure, One City at a Time.’
Over 200 distinguished guests representing Federal, State and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms, gathered from across North America, Europe and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields which included:
- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)
- United States Marine Corps
- The Federal Protective Service (FPS)
- Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
- United States Postal Inspection Service
- DHS S&T
- United States Marshals Service (USMS)
- The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Police (PAPD)
- The Department of Justice (DOJ)
- The New York State Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services (NYS DHSES)
- United States Border Patrol
- AlertMedia, Ameristar Perimeter Security, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, Bellevue University, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., CornellCookson, Drone Aviation, FLIR Systems, Hanwha Techwin, HID Global, IPVideo Corp., Konica Minolta Business Solutions, LenelS2, ManTech, Regroup Mass Notifications, SafeLogic, SolarWinds, Senstar, ShotSpotter, Smiths Detection, TCOM LP, Trackforce, Verint, and More!
From innovative Military Cyber Programs, to Local, State and Federal Public Safety and Emergency Management Initiatives, New Physical and IT Products and Services, and Security Professional, Threat Assessment, Emergency Preparedness, Law Enforcement and Homeland Security Education and Training Opportunities – Join your ‘ASTORS’ Award-Winning Peers and Receive the Recognition You Deserve!
Excellence in Public Safety and Government Security Award Nominations are encouraged, such as 2019 Honored Winners which includes the DEA, U.S. Marine Corps, DHS S&T, Federal Protective Police, DHS S&T NUSTL, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Border Patrol, The Port Authority of NY/NJ, and the NYS Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services.
Individuals are also encouraged to be nominated for Government Excellence in Public Safety and Homeland Security such as last years widely respected recipients.
2019 ‘ASTORS’ EXCELLENCE AND GOVERNMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS
Commissioner William Bratton, Executive Chairman of Teneo Risk, the ‘2019 ‘ASTORS’ Person of the Year’
John F. Clark, CEO of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
DHS S&T Next Generation First Responder (NGFR) Program
Dean C. Alexander, Director, Homeland Security Research Program & Professor at Western Illinois University
Federal Protective Services
United States Postal Inspection Service
DHS S&T National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL)
DHS S&T Office of Mission and Capability Support (Forensic Video Exploitation and Analysis) Tool Suite
Grant Coffey, Portland Fire & Rescue Hazmat Team Coordinator (Ret), CBRNE Industry Expert
United States Marshals Service
Sheriff Tom Knight, Sarasota County Sheriff (FL)
Dr. Sean Lawler
United States Border Patrol, Border Patrol, Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR)
Dr. Konstantinos Papazoglou and Dr. Daniel M. Blumberg, Co Authors of ‘Power: Police Officer Wellness, Ethics, and Resilience’
The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Police
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipLine
United States Marine Corps, U.S. Marine Corps 1700 Cyberspace Operations
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA)
DOJ OPM Federal Risk Management Process Training Program
NYS Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services UAS/Drone Training Program
Ewart Williams, New Jersey City University National Security and Intelligence Adjunct Professor
Stanley I. White, International Association for Counterterrorism & Security Professionals (IACSP)
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers eyes throughout the story with cutting edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
The AST Digital Publications is distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state and local levels.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state and local level as well as from private firms allied to government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
To learn more about the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, please go to the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Championship Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2019 ‘A Year in Review’.
The ‘ASTORS’ Champion Edition is published annually and includes a review of the ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firms products and services, includes video interviews and more.
It is your Go-To source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2019 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION will have what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitgate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
For information about advertising opportunities with American Security Today, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:
- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos
Subscribe to the AST Daily News Alert Here.
Learn More…
DEA, DOD, and USCG Offload More than 33K pounds of Seized Drugs
