U.S. to deploy choppers over U.S.-Canada border

WINDSOR, Ont. (May 12, 2003) — If you’re a driver who hears the sound of chopper blades buzzing above your cab while you’re sitting at the border, don’t be alarmed — it’s just one more measure taken by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to secure entry into the U.S. and defend against terrorist activity.

Border crossings at Niagara Falls/Buffalo and Windsor/Detroit will be patrolled by U.S. Coast Guard helicopter gunships traditionally used to chase drug boats off the Florida coast. The HITRON choppers, which will be deployed during heightened terror alerts to enforce security zones around tankers and other possible terrorist targets, are armed with M-16 machineguns and .50-calibre laser-sighted rifles.

Beyond increased scrutiny and manpower, the U.S. already has satellites, unmanned aircraft, cameras, and gamma-ray scanners to inspect cargo and passengers at various border points.

–with files from the Toronto Sun