In December 2010, the Puerto Rico Ports Authority (PRPA) issued a proposed regulation that would require all inbound cargo containers, regardless of whether the container was shipped from a company located in the United States or from a company located in a foreign country, to be scanned for contraband.  If enacted, the proposed scanning regulation would increase costs and result in supply chain delays.  The cost would range from $58 to $70 per container (depending on the size of the container).  

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today announced a new partnership with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to enlist other nations, international bodies and the private sector in increasing the security of the global supply chain—outlining a series of new initiatives to make the system stronger, smarter and more resilient.

It’s a telling case: a few years ago, members of two criminal organizations in California were charged for their role in a large-scale fencing operation to buy and sell over-the-counter health and beauty products—as well as other items like camera film, batteries, and infant formula—that had been stolen from major retail chain stores. The merchandise was then passed off to crooked out-of-state wholesale distributors, who just sold it back to unsuspecting retailers.

The Coast Guard changed its security regulations for cruise ships in San Diego, two days before the first ship is set to dock at Broadway Pier’s new terminal.

The U.S. Homeland Security Department in 2010 identified a terrorist plan to contaminate salad bars and buffets at restaurants and hotels with lethal materials, CBS News reported.

Federal marijuana distribution conspiracy charges were filed against seven defendants who were arrested during what law enforcement officials said they believe is the largest seizure ever of marijuana in the Chicago area -- conservatively estimated at approximately 21,800 pounds, or nearly 11 tons, packed into six railroad cars from Mexico that arrived at a warehouse in Chicago Heights, Ill., earlier this month. The marijuana is estimated to have a value of approximately $22 million.