TSA strikes back at dope smuggling employees

Published 19 March 2007

Agency sends 160 officers to Florida after drug runners infiltrate Orlando airport

Stung by reports that drug smugglers were treating the Orlando International Airport with the same sang froid as they have the Port of Miami, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) last week announced a security surge aimed at corrupt airline employees. It will come as no surprise to learn that in addition to Miami, the other airports receiving upgraded scrutiny are Tampa International, Miami International, Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International, and Luis Muñoz Marín International (San Juan, Puerto Rico) airports. 160 officers have been assigned to the effort, which will include increased random inspections of employees, auditing door access systems, and limiting secure access during non-business hours. “Every employee should have a reasonable expectation that they could be screened at any time, at any access point within the footprint of the airport,” said TSA chief Kip Hawley.