COMMONLY ENCOUNTERED DRUG CONCEALMENT METHODS

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I pulled this information off a Police Support  website, 
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Concealment Tips Written By A Government Trained Ex Drug & Dog Handler

COMMONLY ENCOUNTERED

CONCEALMENT METHODS
&

The use of Narcotic Detector Canines

CONDUCTING THE CANINE SEARCH OF A VEHICLE:

1. Contraband is most frequently hidden in relatively few locations on vehicles.

2. All searches of vehicles (as with any search) should be conducted according to a plan.

Vehicles should be divided into four (4) separate areas:

1. All exterior locations (including the tires and their coverings, the underside framework, wheel wells, etc.).

2. The interior portions of the passenger compartment (including the dash-board area, seats, floor coverings, head-liner, etc.).

3. The rear or trunk area of the vehicle.

4. The front or engine compartment of the vehicle.

3. Beginning the search of the exterior portion of the vehicle:

NOTE: In this search sequence, the suspect vehicle is situated with the wind blowing from the passenger to driver side of the vehicle. The search sequence is begun on the front left of the vehicle. (As in all vehicle searches, windows are in the up position, doors un-locked (closed) and the hood and trunk lids closed. Vehicle keys are in the trunk lock).

A. The exterior search will begin on the down-wind corner of the vehicle proceeding in a counter-clockwise pattern.

B. Once the starting drill is completed, the canine is deployed on examination of the exterior body surfaces proceeding from the bumper along the drivers side of the vehicle. All surfaces such as hub-caps (wheel coverings), door cracks, lighting recesses, etc. are afforded to examination by the canine.

C. On reaching the rear, drivers side corner of the vehicle, the canine continues its search across the back exterior portion of the vehicle. All surfaces again, including the underside of the trunk, cracks, tail-light fixtures, etc., are afforded to examination by the canine.

D. On continuing the search sequence from the passenger side, rear corner of the vehicle, the canine is afforded all locations as those mentioned in Section-B above.

E. On reaching the front, passenger side corner of the vehicle, the canine is afforded all areas such as the underside of the engine compartment, the bumper area, the grill area and the lighting recess areas.

This completes the exterior, vehicle search sequence of a narcotic detector canine.

4. SEARCH OF THE INTERIOR (PASSENGER COMPARTMENT) OF THE VEHICLE:

The canine is then directed by the handler to the passenger door of the vehicle and all steps as shown in here should be completed by the canine team within the passenger, interior portion of the vehicle.

A. The interior search will begin at the drivers door. On opening the door, the starting drill is performed and the canine directed to the area below the steering column. (The interior search is directed from the dash-board area into the rear seat area.)

B. On beginning the search, the canine is un-leashed and the handler at this point closes the door allowing the door to remain partially open directing the canine to search.

C. The canine should be directed to search the entire dash-board area, both front and underside surfaces.

D. The canine is then directed into the rear seat portion of the interior passenger compartment.

E. The canine is again directed to search the head-liner area, seat area and side panel areas.

NOTE: The canine needs to especially be afforded the opportunity to thoroughly check the seat seams both at the floor level and where the upright back portion and the seat portion of the seat joins.

The canine is then removed after all areas have been checked within the interior portion of the passenger compartment.

5. The canine is then directed to the rear or trunk portion of the vehicle.

A. The keys to the vehicle being searched in the trunk lock, the handler then opens the trunk and directs the canine to begin the search of the trunk area.

The canine should be directed naturally, to search any and all contents of the trunk

The canine is then removed from the trunk area of the vehicle completing the search of the rear or trunk portion of the vehicle.

6. The canine is then directed by the handler to the front end, or engine compartment of the vehicle.

NOTE: Naturally, no canine will search the engine compartment of a vehicle that has recently been operated. If the vehicle is still very hot from operation and has not had sufficient time to cool, the canine should only be made to search the exterior and underside portion of the front end section.

NOTE: Prior to any search, every handler should always keep in mind that in today's ways and means of narcotics traffickers, there may be explosive or destructive devices situated on vehicle, within dwellings, etc. If there should be any doubt, have an experienced Explosives Ordinance Technician proceed in securing the vehicle or situation PRIOR to initiating any search for narcotic contraband.

The following information is tips or "indicators" that handlers should note while searching vehicles for contraband.

A. Freshly painted surfaces or areas that appear to have been "sealed" with epoxy or other plastic type sprays.

B. Freshly re-welded seams.

C. "New" rust at joints that apparently, have recently been resealed.

D. Screw or bolts heads that have apparent new wrench or screwdriver damage from recently being turned.

E. Accessories or new body sections that have been added to alter the original body configuration of the vehicle.

F. Strong odor of talcum powder or air fresheners.

G. Strong odor of recently re-glued areas.

H. New stitching or new fabric on upholstered areas.

I. New material on door panels or head-liner areas.

J. New wiring or switches that are not "standard" options on vehicles. (Wire and switches could be used to operate "trap-doors.")

K. While tapping on surface walls, a hollow sound or tap that cannot be felt on the reverse side might indicate a void with contraband between the surfaces.

L. Areas that have recently been worked on. (i.e. no grease or undercoating material has been removed and the seams are clean.)

M. Additional battery or power sources. (Contraband concealed inside. Battery is actually fake.)

N. Additional fuel cell, bladders or tanks. (Contraband, even though the cell, bladder or tank is full, may be taped inside to the wall of the container or suspended using wire or string.)

O. Fuel gauge showing 1/2 full and tank while tapping on exterior surface, sounds full.

P. Several fuel filler caps with only one tank.

Q. New screws, rivets or bolts.

R. "Hot"/"Cold" areas felt on examination by feel. (Areas that should be entirely hot or entirely cold but are different when felt. False compartments could be between the compartments concealing contraband.)

NOTE: Prior to any search, every handler should always keep in mind that in today's ways and means of narcotics traffickers, there may be explosive or destructive devices situated on vehicle, within dwellings, etc. If there should be any doubt, have an experienced Explosives Ordinance Technician proceed in securing the vehicle or situation PRIOR to initiating any search for narcotic contraband.

SEARCH OF THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE:

Listed below are areas that have been documented as concealment locations.

Area of Concealment Method of Concealment

Wheel coverings

Taping or magnetic container holding contraband.

Tires:

After disassembly of tire from rim, taped inside of the tire and placing back on to vehicle.

Wheel wells:

False compartment or containers taped or fastened with magnets to the rear, underside or otherwise area not visible without disassembly.

False compartments:

Under the trunk area, to the underside of the floor pans, etc..

Frame work:

Taped or magnetic containers concealed within the frame work and then re -welded.

Lights:

Contraband affixed with tape, magnets, etc., in the void.

Bumper:

Contraband affixed with tape, magnets or wire to the rear side out of sight. The area behind the lights, including reflector lights.

Fuel Tanks: (Propane/Petroleum) False fuel tanks (half fuel and half concealment area.)

NOTE:

a. Always check inside of the filler cap for proof containers suspended within the tank.

b. Officers should also keep in mind the "piston-type" shock absorbers in newer type vehicle bumpers. Contraband can be stored the void of these allowing concealment.

Area of Concealment Method of Concealment

Kick panels: front at feet area)

Contraband taped to the back side of panel located in and the panel re-installed.

False Fire-wall

Concealed area with contraband stashed in the void and then dash-board area re-installed.

Top Dash-pad

Pad removed and contraband taped to the underside with the pad re-installed.

Dash-board:

Contraband taped to rear side or magnetic container affixed out of sight.

Air Conditioning or Heating:

Hoses or duct removed and Hoses/Ducts contraband secreted inside with the hose re-installed.

Glove box:

Box removed and contraband taped or secreted using a magnetic container to the top side of the box and then re-installing the box.

Radio or Tape Players:

Accessory removed and contraband affixed with tape or magnet to top side and accessory re-installed.

NOTE: The accessory should also be operated to ensure that the unit is not a "false accessory with contraband secreted inside.

SEARCH OF PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE:

Area of Concealment Method of Concealment

Ash-tray:

The ash-tray should be removed from its bracket the area behind it checked. Behind most ash-trays in dash areas is a void large enough to secret a quantity of contraband.

Steering column/wheel:

Contraband taped around steering column and the outside casing re-installed around the contraband. The horn or center portion of the steering wheel on most vehicles can also be removed and allow a substantial size void to hide secret contraband.

Front seat: including head-rest)

Seat removed from vehicle head-rest) and upholstery removed securing contraband to

framework and then re-installing the seat.

NOTE: If head-rest are "pull-up type", pull up and ensure that the head-rest is not hollowed-out with a cavity allowing secreting of contraband.

Head-liner: (including dome light)

Head-liner remove contraband to be taped head-liner re-installed.

Doors:

Panels removed and contraband secreted with-in door frame work and panel re- installed.

NOTE: In many situations, the ash-trays are pulled out and the contraband suspended inside of the void area with wire and the ash-tray re-installed.

False compartment under floor:

Void areas created to secret contraband and carpet re-installed.

False compartments: rear seat\trunk area) areas created to secret contraband and then seat back re-stalled to cover area.

NOTE: Most situations such as these hiding locations have "trap-doors" with switches that are located in the dash area or kick-panel area.

SEARCH OF PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE:

Area of Concealment Method of Concealment

Rear window deck, side-panels:

Contraband affixed to framework by tape

Seat area:

Seats removed and contraband taped or wired to frame work and then re-upholstered and re-installed.

Doors:

Panels removed and contraband secreted within door frame work and panel re-installed.

NOTE: In many situations, the ash-trays are pulled out and the contraband suspended in- side of the void area with wire and the ash-tray re-installed.

Spare tire:

Tire removed from wheel contraband secreted within the tire and then re-installed onto the wheel.

Spare tire well:

False compartment or secreted with tape or magnetic container and wheel placed on top of contraband concealing from sight.

Underside of trunk lid:

Structural members, contraband secreted inside and then re-welded. Between trunk lid layers and then re-welded.

SEARCH OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE:

Area of Concealment Method of Concealment

"Stump" or "gravel" pans:

Contraband concealed in magnetic containers or with tape to the out-of- sight portion.

Radiators:

Contraband concealed inside of the radiator in watertight containers.

Windshield washer, brake fluid:

Contraband concealed transmission fluid reservoirs inside of these areas in water-tight containers.

Air Cleaner, carburetor area:

Contraband taped or affixed to interior portions of area in magnetic containers.

Grill:

Contraband affixed with tape, wire or magnetic containers.

Bumper:

Contraband affixed to side with tape, wire or magnetic containers.

NOTE: Officers should also keep in mind the "piston-type" shock absorbers in newer type vehicle bumpers. Contraband can be stored within the void of these allowing concealment.

Engine oil pan:

Pan removed and contraband taped or placed into water-tight magnetic container to wall of pan and pan replaced.

Axle (front & rear) housings:

Service plates removed and contraband in water-tight containers placed inside allowing concealment.

This completes the entire process of vehicle search utilizing a narcotic detector canine.

CONDUCTING THE CANINE SEARCH OF AIRCRAFT (COMMERCIAL AND PRIVATE):

1. Commercial aircraft have long been vehicles used in smuggling operations.

2. Lately, private aircraft have been an increasing problem and one that will be increasingly encountered.

Due to the numerous types of and different variations of aircraft, a basic operational search will be explained. If a thorough search is necessary of an aircraft, an airframe and power plant mechanic must be utilized.

The following areas have been utilized to conceal and transport secreted contraband on aircraft.

3. The canine should be afforded to inspect all service access panels due to these areas affording large void areas for secreting contraband.

4. REMEMBER: When in doubt, have an airframe and power plant mechanic perform the search. Considerable amount of damage can be done within seconds to fragile avionic instruments.

5. Canines should never be allowed on top of the wings of aircraft Considerable damage can be done to control surfaces.

6. Cockpit areas should always be manually searched to avoid any damage as mentioned in #4, above.

The following information is tips or "indicators" that handlers should note while searching aircraft for contraband.

A. Freshly painted surfaces or areas that appear to have been "sealed" with epoxy or other plastic type sprays.

B. Freshly re-welded seams.

C. "New" rust at joints that apparently, have recently been resealed.

D. Screw or bolts heads that have apparent new wrench or screwdriver damage from recently being turned.

E. Accessories or new body sections that have been added to alter the original body configuration of the vehicle.

F. Strong odor of talcum powder or air fresheners.

G. Strong odor of recently re-glued areas.

H. New stitching or new fabric on upholstered areas.

I. New material on door panels or head-liner areas.

J. New wiring or switches that are not "standard" options on vehicle. (Wire and switches could be used to operate "trap-doors".)

K. While tapping on surface walls, a hollow sound or tap that cannot be felt on the reverse side might indicate a void with contraband between the surfaces.

L. Areas that have recently been worked on. (i.e. no grease or undercoating material has been removed and the seams are clean.)

M. Additional battery or power sources. (Contraband concealed inside. Battery is actually fake.)

N. Additional fuel cell, bladders or tanks. (Contraband, even though the cell, bladder or tank is full, may be taped inside to the wall of the container or suspended using wire or string.)

O. Fuel gauge showing 1/2 full and tank while tapping on exterior surface, sounds full.

P. Several fuel filler caps with only one tank.

Q. New screws, rivets or bolts.

R. New "paint-over" jobs.

S. Registration number not conforming to F.A.A. regulations.

T. Retractable landing gear doors damaged from grass or dirt field take-offs and/or landings.

U. Considerable amounts of dirt/mud on underside body panels of aircraft indicating grass or dirt field take-offs and/or landings.

V. Propeller tips nicked or damaged indicating high grass or dirt field take-offs and/or landings

W. Avionics that are not properly installed in control panel but are available for use in mobile operation.

SEARCH OF COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT:

Area of Concealment Method of Concealment

Lavatories of Commercial Aircraft:

Contraband is concealed using tape, wire or magnetic containers within the following areas;

a. Hand towel dispensers

b. Toilets

c. Trash receptacles

d. Air-frame inspection access doors.

(Certain model air-craft.)

e. Lighting receptacles

Seats:

Contraband secreted on underside of seat with tape or magnetic container.

Baggage compartment: (over seats)

Contraband secreted in service access areas.

* Oxygen tank compartment:

Contraband secreted under service access panel.

* Life raft or preserver area:

Contraband secreted among rafts or preservers.

* Forward or aft galleys:

Contraband secreted using tape or magnetic

containers usually in service access panels or trash receptacles.

* Baggage compartments:

Contraband secreted in airframe inspection or

service access panel areas.

* Denotes areas that contraband is usually stored by employees of suspect airlines.

SEARCH OF PRIVATE AIRCRAFT:

Area of Concealment Method of Concealment

Baggage compartments:

Contraband secreted within service access panels.

Tail section:

Contraband secreted within airframe via service access panel.

Wing baggage compartment:

Contraband stored in packaging for trans-partition.

Wing tips:

Tips removed and contraband taped in-side and tip re-installed.

Passenger compartment: (as shown in commercial vehicle section of this information.)

Wing/bladder fuel tanks:

Contraband may be secreted inside of tank in watertight container.

Wheel retractor compartments:

Contraband may be secreted using tape or magnetic containers.

CONDUCTING THE CANINE SEARCH OF DWELLINGS:

1. The search of a dwelling (any search) should be well planned, mentally dividing the area to be searched into sections and proceeding methodically.

2. The spiral search for dwellings is usually the best one to deploy a canine on in search of narcotics.

3. Ensure that all fans or air conditioners, anything that can alter air currents or patterns, are turned off to avoid confusing the canine in his work.

NOTE: Prior to any search, every handler should always keep in mind that in today's ways and means of narcotics traffickers, there may be explosive or destructive devices situated on vehicle, within dwellings, etc.... If there should be any doubt, have an experienced Explosives Ordinance Technician proceed in securing the vehicle or situation PRIOR to initiating any search for narcotic contraband.

Due to the endless configurations, different houses, buildings, warehouses, there is no need to attempt to show different patterns of search. As shown in sections #1 and #2, the search should be thought out and carried out using the spiral search pattern towards the center of the area being searched.

SEARCH OF DWELLINGS:

Listed below are the areas that contraband has been found concealed within dwellings, building, warehouses, etc.. (Remember. Narcotics traffickers have the time to think of new and trying ways of entering their illicit trade into the United States. It is not possible to list but a fraction of the ways they have tried:

Telephone base & handle Cigarette Package Inside wigs

Under sinks or tubs Base of lamp Mattresses Closet or dresser Wall/ceiling fixtures Pictures clothing, shoes, etc. Flashlights Light switches Hollow doors

Inside curtain rods Behind base boards Window shades

Inside appliances Inside refrigerators Inside books

Under furniture Kitchen canisters Fish tanks

Pet housing Baby diapers Laundry soap

The list could go on and on. Narcotics traffickers will put their narcotics anywhere and then some of any place that you can think of. DO NOT OVERLOOK anything, especially the obvious.

SPECIAL NOTE: Before ever deploying a canine in search of narcotics, ensure that there

are no poisons or irritants out in the open. Also ensure that no poisons such as lye, sulfuric

acid, etc., have been purposely left out to do harm to your canine.

WAY'S SMUGGLERS HAVE ENTER CONTRABAND INTO THE COUNTRY:

1. Asphalt Tanker Trucks

CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUE: Hot liquid asphalt tankers are loaded with marijuana in front and/or rear compartments with a bona fide middle asphalt compartment dividing the two bogus compartments.

INDICATORS: To date the best method is the "hot/cold wall hands on test." This is accomplished by feeling the sides of the tanker from front to back to detect any section which is not hot. If a cold section is found, a false compartment is probable because the entire outside metal skin should be hot if the tanker is bona fide.

2. BASKETS

CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUE: Hand woven palm fiber (raffia) baskets with marijuana inside each tube-like strand.

INDICATORS: Probing with a knife resulting in a sample of marijuana and excessive weight are indicators. Commercially available baskets already filled with marijuana have been reported from Jamaica.

3. BATTERIES

a. CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUE: Display model twelve volt boat/auto battery cases capable of concealing drugs within the empty interior cells.

INDICATORS: One indicator is that a display model battery case filled with drugs is probably lighter than a normal 12 volt battery. Another is to test the battery by placing a metal bar across the positive and negative terminals. In addition a screw driver can be used to pry open the top plate's battery cell covers.

b. CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUE: "D" cell flashlight battery equipped with a small "AA" battery inside and then filled with heroin.

INDICATORS: No external indicator could be detected in this case.

4. BOATS

a. CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUE: Buoyancy compartments of small sail boat filled with marijuana and the original fiberglass covering replaced professionally.

INDICATORS: Tapping the side buoyancy compartments produced a dull thud rather than the expected hollow sound. Drilling a small hole from the inside floor area produced a sample of marijuana.

b. CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUE: Watertight metal contraband box attached to the outside hull below the waterline. Box is detachable and retrievable by means of wire cables and snap-on clips.

INDICATORS: No specific indicators for this concealment will be notices.

5. BODY CARRY/CLOTHING/SHOES

a. CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUES: Tailored to fit vest, underwear and leg/ankle bandages with custom shaped drugs/money/other contraband inside the devices.

INDICATORS: Loose fitting clothing: as much as a size or two larger than a proper fit. Use of wraps or other clothing that is not consistent with the prevailing climate. A stiff posture and gait. One technique used by officers to reveal the use of this technique is to observe the subject bend over. If bending is difficult, suspicion should be aroused.

b. CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUES: Waistband of trousers filled with heroin.

INDICATORS: Bulges in trousers waistband lining are indications of a concealment. A search of the inner stitching of the trousers can disclose this concealment.

c. CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUES: False soles and heels of shoes worn by the subject or carried in luggage.

INDICATORS: Odor of glue is often present from the recent separation and re-gluing of the outer or inner sole and heel. Shoes are often new and show very little wear, whereas the other clothing articles worn by the subject may be well worn. Drilling from the bottom exterior side is a proven method to disclose the presence of drugs.

6. BOOKS/MAGAZINES

a. CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUE: Hardback covers of children's story books used to conceal cocaine.

INDICATORS: Mail inspectors at a Customs international mail facility became suspicious by an odor of glue on the covers which was not consistent with the used condition of the books. Highly compressed cocaine had been placed between the thick cardboard layers of the book covers.

b. CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUE: Rolled magazine mail parcel used to conceal an inner core package of heroin.

INDICATORS: Previous mail seizures of magazines from Pakistan. Though mailed from Pakistan, the package had a Japanese return address and even had cancelled Japanese stamps on it which further aroused the inspector's suspicion.

7. BOTTLES

CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUE: Heroin concealed within professionally sealed Liquor bottles further contained within cardboard cartons.

INDICATORS: The bottles displayed no sloshing sounds when shaken.

8. CANS

a. CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUES: Beer and soft drink cans with professionally sealed lids or screw tops or bottoms.

INDICATORS: The cans have a sloshing sound, and tapping the upper portion produces a resonant sound, but tapping the bottom portion results in a dull muted sound. Also, the cans with cocaine are heavier then those filled with beer.

b. CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUES: Aerosol spray cans modified in three ways; totally filled with drugs and permanently sealed; fitted with a cylinder of the bona fide product; or bottom end fitted with an 'o' ring adaptor (female threads) and a plug (male).

INDICATOR: Spray testing of the aerosol does not produce any liquid, yet the can feels heavy as if full. When a cylinder is inserted into the aerosol can, a quantity of CO 2 gas is included to allow for about 2 to 3 sprays only. In the 'o' ring and plug method the bottom fits very tightly into the can and often requires a wrench to remove it. Reverse (clockwise) threads re often used as normal removal of screwed on items involves a counterclockwise direction.

c. CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUE: Tin cans sealed professionally with a commercially available canning machine.

INDICATORS: Clues to the concealment depends on the purported commodity shown on the label. If a liquid commodity is on the label, shaking the can is a good test. Liquids are normally heavier than drugs, so a lighter than normal can might contain drugs. Evidence of recent application of the label such as fresh glue or uneven seams can be an indicator. Sometimes the top and bottom plates of the cans are inadvertently installed from different types or colors of metal by the smugglers.

9. CONTAINERS

CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUE: "CO-3 GLOBAL Container" with factory built double floor, primarily used to ship air cargo.

INDICATORS: No obvious indicators. However, when the container is raised on a forklift the double floor becomes apparent. Removal of the sheet metal inner floor covering reveals a four inch thick layer of styrofoam between the two floors. With the styrofoam removed a substantial, concealment area becomes available to internal cargo conspirators.

10. FILM

CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUE: Highly sophisticated concealment of cocaine within Polaroid film cartridges.

INDICATORS: Comparison of a bona fide twin pack and the cocaine filled packs produces the following:

(1) no difference in the cardboard product box

(2) purple printing on bogus film pack is darker (3) bogus film pack is wrapped in clear plastic, while the bona fide one had aluminum foil

(4) serrated edges of the plastic wrapping on the bogus film pack is produced by household pinking shears, whereas the bona fide pack's serrated edges are wider and larger.

11. Fish/Shrimp

a. CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUE: Live tropical fish in triple plastic aquatic environments used to mask the presence of submersed packages of liquid cocaine.

INDICATORS: The air waybill had no address or telephone number for the consignee. A strong odor of acetone was noted.

b. CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUE: Frozen shrimp from Ecuador used to encase rectangular blocks of compressed cocaine.

INDICATORS: Shipping instructions found on documents accompanying the frozen fish aroused a Customs inspector's suspicion. These instructions required that the shrimp be delivered to an unusual consignee who turned out to be non-existent.

c. CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUE: Gutting of whole fish and insertion of drugs in the mid-section followed by repackaging to make them appear normal.

INDICATORS: A Customs inspector's suspicion was aroused because fresh fish are normally iced down in cooler and not placed in carry-on luggage.

12. FURNITURE/LUMBER/WOODEN PRODUCTS

a. CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUE: Heroin from Thailand in the routed out sides of wooden dividers.

INDICATORS: Dividers were shipped from a source country; they were sent by an individual in Bangkok to himself in the U.S. care of a third party; freight charges were prepaid in cash; drilling the sides of the dividers revealed heroin.

b. CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUE: Commercial shipment of wooden lamps and gaming tables professionally constructed at a factory in Lebanon to conceal hashish and hashish oil.

INDICATORS: No exterior evidence of modification could detected.

c. CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUE: Commercial shipment of lumber "planks" of mahogany wood from Honduras to be used in making picnic tables.

INDICATORS: Routine canine inspection of stacks of lumber after off-loading. After canine indication, boards were x-rayed showing routed out cavities inside of the board with each board holding approximately three (3) kilograms of cocaine.

d. CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUE: False bottom of wooden shipping crates.

INDICATORS: No obvious indicators.

e. CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUE: Hollowed out sides of wooden boxes used to conceal cocaine.

INDICATORS: Abnormally thick side panels of the boxes alerted a Customs inspector. Use of a hand operated drill produced a sample of cocaine.

f. CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUE: Plywood sheets specially laminated to create internal compartments, and a stack of plywood sheets strapped together to conceal a large internal void area.

INDICATORS: Unusual thickness of the plywood sheets were noted by Customs inspectors.

g. CONCEALMENT TECHNIQUE: Commercial shipment of 2" x 10" x 10' wood planks with routed slots capable of holding two kilograms of cocaine per plank.

INDICATORS: Prior information. The task of selecting the specific planks containing drugs in a semi-trailer, train or vessel shipment is so difficult that it is recommended that a dog be utilized if sufficient suspicion of the shipment exists.

The list of information containing Concealment Methods and their indicators could go on and on.

The purpose of this information to handlers deploying narcotic detector dogs is to instill that smugglers will utilize ANY method that they possibly can to bring illegal contraband into the country.