Customs Officials Largely Corrupt

Tolo News reports in a news article that there is widespread corruption in Afghanistan's customs system (big surprise there!). The customs operation is coming under scrutiny as a result of the new National Unity Government crackdown on corruption. It is hoped that if corruption with the customs officials can be lessened the government will begin to decrease its revenue shortfall. Custom officials are the source of the problem and widespread firings need to take place. Afghan businessmen are routinely expected to pay bribes to get goods into Afghanistan. Read more in "Experts Say Customs Agents are Main Source of Corruption", Tolo News, December 17, 2014.

DoD Contractors Serving in Afghanistan Screwed Over by Customs and Border Protection Officials Upon Arriving in the U.S.

Seal of U.S. Customs Border Protection
"One Team - One Fight" (most of the time)

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at Bangor International Airport in Bangor, Maine screwed over about 200 military service members and defense contractors returning from Afghanistan. The customs officials wanted to see "import documentation" for helmets, body armor, and gas masks that the DoD contractors had in their luggage. By regulation all DoD contractors must have these items as mandatory equipment in Afghanistan and wear the helmets and body armor when flying or driving off military bases. The military members and contractors spent an extra day in Bangor while the customs officials confiscated the equipment and then . . . eventually returned it. Quite a welcome home to the troops and contractors who just spent a long deployment in Afghanistan. The contractors and military service members had to delay their long-awaited reunion with their families by one day; disrupting many planned celebrations and travel plans. The seal (see image to left) of the Customs Border Protection has the words "One Team - One Fight"; well, not exactly - at least not all the time. You have to admire our brave men and women of the Customs and Border Protection organization as they have proven they will go to any lengths to protect our nation from those dangerous members of the military and contracting force who are returning from the war in Afghanistan. Read more in "Military flight delayed at BIA as Customs seeks documentation for contractor's for Kevlar vests, gas masks, and helmets", Bangor Daily News, February 3, 2014.