### Security Challenges in Export Lanes Persist – TJ Gringo
**Tijuana, Mexico** – The prolonged lines and insufficient surveillance in export lanes continue to pose significant security challenges, especially in preventing the contamination of merchandise. Alejandro Jaramillo Osuna, President of the National Chamber of the Transformation Industry (Canacintra) in Tijuana, highlighted these ongoing issues.
“Streets, unfortunately, are far from being secure places, making safeguarding cargo while it’s outside of plants a considerable challenge,” Jaramillo Osuna stated. He emphasized that merchandise is particularly vulnerable to contamination with illegal substances or items during its transit to the border, especially while trucks await customs clearance.
Jaramillo noted that collaborative efforts between customs authorities of both Mexico and the United States are underway to expedite border crossings. However, further security enhancements around checkpoints are necessary to prevent unauthorized packages from being placed on trucks.
“The security infrastructure at the border is somewhat limited. With the increasing issue of fentanyl, the personnel are stretched thin, leading to prolonged waiting times as they cannot keep up with the required inspections,” he explained.
The Commercial Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently conducted an informative session discussing border security and the fentanyl threat. Specialists George Rudy and Michael Smith revealed that San Diego ranks third in the United States for small-scale trafficking seizures, following Los Angeles and JFK International Airport. Fentanyl seizures have almost doubled compared to methamphetamine at entry points.
Rudy and Smith also warned logistics and freight companies to be vigilant regarding goods from China, India, and Peru, as products from these countries are frequently tainted with illegal substances.
Jaramillo Osuna mentioned that most Canacintra-affiliated companies have obtained C-TPAT certification. This certification aims to enhance the security of importers, transporters, customs agents, storage facilities, and producers to prevent the adulteration of cargo with illegal items during border transit. Additionally, companies can access various preventive training sessions conducted by CBP and Canacintra.
“Training and communication are key to minimizing the risk of falling victim to ‘blind mule’ scenarios,” Jaramillo Osuna concluded.
### Secondary Article: Recent Developments on Border Security
**San Diego, CA** – In light of recent spikes in interdictions, new initiatives are being implemented to bolster border security. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) department remains on high alert as the number of fentanyl seizures continues to rise significantly. Enhanced patrolling and technological upgrades at major entry points like San Diego, Los Angeles, and JFK International are now in place to better detect and intercept illegal items.
According to CBP officials, cooperation with Mexican authorities has improved, but persistent challenges remain. Efforts to streamline inspection processes aim to reduce wait times while maintaining thorough checks to prevent the trafficking of illicit substances.
These measures include deploying advanced scanning systems capable of identifying contraband more efficiently and collaborative training programs focused on the latest smuggling tactics. Such advancements are crucial, given the evolving methods employed by traffickers to evade detection.
Moreover, there is an ongoing push for greater awareness and stricter compliance among logistics companies, especially those handling goods originating from high-risk regions, to prevent the introduction of dangerous substances into the supply chain.
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