The first National Cargo Theft Security Summit will be held April 15-16, 2008, at the Safety Harbor Resort 105 N. Bayshore Drive, Safety Harbor, Florida by Robert M. “Bear” Bryant, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Crime Bureau and Marion County Sheriff Ed Dean of Florida, who serves as Co-Chairman of the National Cargo Theft Task Force. The summit allows law enforcement professionals, trucking companies, insurance representatives, state representatives and federal legislators to meet and exchange strategies and tactics to help protect the nation’s transportation industry. Cargo thieves associated with organized crime organizations have taken their operations to a new level that has task force agents concerned for the safety of our U.S. citizens. Those who once targeted high-dollar items such as electronics, clothing, cigarettes, sport items and frozen foods have now advanced to stealing pharmaceuticals worth as much as $100 million per trailer load. The public health issues include out dated drugs being sold on the black market without doctor’s approval, not to mention that some drugs need to be climate controlled. In addition, commercial vehicles have been linked to terrorism in the U.S. and abroad. This is a national problem that needs national attention and solutions.

This first National Summit will focus on obtaining national approval in adopting the National Strategy as well as Congressional support. Parts of the National Strategy have already been approved in the 109th Session of Congress.

During the summit, the insurance and transportation industry will discuss problems they face as a result of pharmaceutical thefts and how it affects consumers, public health and other state and federal regulations.

Florida’s Statewide Cargo Theft Task Force consists of the Florida’s Sheriff’s Association, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Transportation, South Florida TOMCATS, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Federal Bureau of Investigations and National Insurance Crime Bureau.