The first of its kind operation led HSI to
develop new techniques to detect and suppress
this type of border smuggling. In 2006 Forest
Service law enforcement personnel played a key
role in uncovering and stopping a network of
aerial drug smuggling operations that had been
ferrying tons of drugs across the Canadian
border at remote wooded locations on two
national forests in Washington. Their successful
efforts helped make the backcountry safer for
recreational visitors as well as for employees
and local residents.
The bust was part of a 2-year multi-agency probe
and resulted in 45 indictments and the seizure
of some 8,000 pounds of marijuana, 800 pounds of
cocaine, three aircraft, and $1.5 million in
U.S. currency. “Operation Frozen Timber” was
called “a great example of an integrated and
coordinated international law enforcement
effort” by a Canadian official.
In his plea agreement, Rosenau admits that,
between 2000 and 2005, he flew dozens of loads
of marijuana into forested areas in western and
eastern Washington, Idaho and Montana. He also
smuggled Canadians across the border into the
U.S. to work as drug mules to transport their
illicit cargo across the U.S.
"Rosenau and his co-conspirators thought they
had the perfect plan to smuggle drugs into the
United States, but obviously they were
mistaken," said Brad Bench, special agent in
charge of HSI Seattle. "Treacherous terrain,
remote locations and the use of aircraft didn't
shield these criminals from justice. HSI is
relentless in its pursuit of smugglers – where
they go, HSI will be on their trail."
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