San Juan, Puerto Rico - A 59-year-old Australian citizen, resident of Tortola, is in custody in connection with controlled substance violation charges. The man was arrested yesterday as he attempted to enter the United States on a flight from British Virgin Islands (BVI).
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers referred Peter Lev for further inspection, when he requested admission to the United States on board a Cape Air flight from BVI. He was taken into custody after a routine record check disclosed an active arrest warrant for controlled substance charges.
The custody of Mr. Lev was transferred to San Juan Homeland Security Investigation Agents for processing.
“Customs and Border Protection is an agency committed to securing our borders while at the same time cooperating with other law enforcement agencies in the enforcement of US laws. CBP officers remain vigilant to detect individuals that have broken the law and attempt to defeat the justice system.” stated Juan Hurtado, San Juan Area Port Director.
In fiscal year 2013, CBP officers at San Juan ports processed 132 arrests, 24 for individuals wanted for crimes such as murder, rape, assault, robbery and other criminal activity. More than 2,000 aliens were identified as inadmissible due to national security, insufficient or fraudulent documents, and other relevant concerns.
The Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within Customs and Border Protection tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at our nation’s ports. CBP officers screen all people, vehicles and goods entering the United States while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. Their mission also includes carrying out border-related duties, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration and trade laws, and protecting the nation's food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.