Posted on 09/02/23
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Baltimore, MD - Sept. 2, 2023 - Many of Baltimore's stolen cars end up in a warehouse operated by the Port of Baltimore, which serves as a major shipping point to West Africa, according to WMAR2News. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port recently intercepted a dozen stolen vehicles, adding to this year's total of 256 — a number already surpassing last year's count. While some of the stolen cars are broken down for parts, high-end vehicles are usually sent to affluent customers in West Africa. Despite using high-tech tools like massive X-Ray machines and a flagging system to identify and track suspicious activities, not all stolen cars can be intercepted. The increase in intercepted cars this year is attributed to both rising car thefts and improvements in detection methods by the officers. The port's efforts are seen as crucial in putting a dent in the operations of transnational criminal organizations involved in car theft.