FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - A thought about illicit use of the trusted traveler programs..

Jul 5, 2015, 8:35 am

#2

txrus

Join Date: Apr 2005

Location: PHX

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Posts: 2,490

Quote:

Originally Posted by dasanmarco

Just a thought.. if someone wanted to be a smuggler (or is a smuggler), but currently has a clean record, they could apply for a trusted traveler program and will likely be accepted, and they could then use those credentials to smuggle stuff at a much lower chance of being caught.

Like if you wanted to bring drugs from mexico into the US, all you have to do is get SENTRI and you're all set.

Seems to me that if you use a trusted traveler program for something illegal you should get hit with a perjury charge or something (eg. making a false statement on a global entry kiosk is considered perjury). Of course, it would only apply to REAL offenses like smuggling drugs or evading duties on 100K of jewelery or something. Getting fined and GE/SENTRI revoked for something stupid like bringing an apple in is punishment enough.

Conversely, you could also go to work for the TSA & do all of the same things while in uniform safe in the knowledge that you, & your belongings, will never be searched.

Which, btw, literally thousands of them have done. Many for years.

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