Colombia joins CSI program

Colombia joins CSI program Colombia has joined the nations participating in Customs and Border Protection's Container Security Initiative, the Department of Homeland Security said Thursday.
   Colombia's participation in CSI, which oversees inspections of U.S.-bound containers if foreign ports before shipment, is part of a joint agreement that also included the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). CSI inspections will take place in Cartagena, Colombia.
   'Today's agreement with Colombia represents a commitment on both sides to tackle the threat of illicit trafficking in nuclear and other radioactive materials, which will go a long way in the fight against terrorism,' said NNSA Administrator Linton F. Brooks. 'Cooperating with the Colombian government on the Megaports Initiative will help secure global shipping lanes and ultimately, protect U.S. ports.'
   Cartagena will be the 51st port with CSI inspections. The DHS said there are some 30 countries participating in the Megaports Initiative.