As TSO Carmen Valverde operated an explosive detection system at Miami International Airport recently, three bags alarmed. Inside the bags, officers found evidence of tampering. Taped along the inside liner of each bag were thin-layered pouches filled with a white, powdery substance – five in all.
Customs and Border Protection confirmed that the pouches contained narcotics and arrested a man on charges of smuggling, possession of narcotics and failure to declare.
Along with Valverde, TSOs Leopoldo Justo, Jason VanDiest and Juan Altamira were presented an Eagle Eye pin letter and certificate for achieving "an extraordinary level of accomplishment."
"When confronted with major responsibilities, these officers demonstrated outstanding teamwork and responded swiftly," said Transportation Security Manager Carmen Goldhammer.