Homeland Security Issues New Cargo Bans
MIAMI (CBS4) - After last week's terrorist plot to conceal and ship explosives on board cargo planes bound for the U.S. was thwarted, the Department of Homeland Security announced new rules dealing with cargo and "high-risk cargo," on flights.
DHS said all cargo from Yemen will remain banned and that all cargo from Somalia bound for the U.S. will also be banned.
In addition, the DHS said all "high-risk" cargo will be banned on passenger flights, but what exactly makes up high-risk cargo was left intentionally vague and will be based on intelligence findings and leads.
The Department of Homeland Security also banned all toner and ink cartridges in carry-on bags and checked bags on domestic and international flights coming to the United States.
The ink and toner ban will also apply to some international air cargo shipments as well.
Cargo that was identified as high risk will be subject to additional and enhanced screening, which DHS said will impact inbound international mail, which will have to be certified to have come from an established postal shipper.
"As always, the safety and security of the American public is our highest priority," DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano said in a statement. "The threats of terrorism we face are serious and evolving, and these security measures reflect our commitment to using current intelligence to stay ahead of adversaries—working closely with our international, federal, state, local and private sector partners every step of the way."
