Advanced security payoff: VW bus

The massive amounts of research and money put into U.S. border security has a new payoff:  the recovery of a cheap car that was stolen 35 years ago.

As explained in a November 5, 2009 press release from the Department of Homeland Security:

CBP in Los Angeles Seizes Volkswagen Bus Stolen in 1974
Vehicle was Found inside Container Bound for Europe

As a result of an outbound operation at the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials seized a 1965 Volkswagen Bus which was reported stolen in Spokane, Wash., more than 35 years ago. On October 19, CBP officers assigned to the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport complex while examining a container scheduled to be exported to the Netherlands discovered the vehicle….

“This is a unique case that reflects our strategic approach in utilizing the best of intelligence, training and use of information in enforcing laws and regulations at our ports,” said Kevin Weeks, CBP director of Field Operations. The 1965 Volkswagen Bus is in pristine condition and still running.

(Thanks to investigator William J. Maloney for bringing this to our attention.)

Fun fact: For the further adventures of CPB director Kevin Weeks, see the August 28, 2009 press release called “Officers Confiscate Counterfeit Michael Jackson Belt Buckles at California Seaport“.