OSI works with local customs to stop drug smuggling

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jared Frey
  • Det. 9, Air Force News Agency
Spangdahlem's Office of Special Investigations, or OSI, agents recently worked with their German counterparts to perform random vehicle inspections. During the inspections, agents searched for drug and other illegal substances that could be smuggled into the local area.

"OSI is partnering with its' German counterparts on trying to interdict the flow of drugs coming down from the Netherlands into Germany that could possibly find their way onto American air bases," said Special Agent Rick Reddecliff, Spangdahlem's Air Force OSI Det. 518 commander."

The local German Customs Office requested that OSI help during the random inspections. While German authorities searched local national cars, OSI helped to search American drivers during these random checks.

"This is their operation," said Special Agent Matthew Mitchell. "We're basically searching American vehicles. Obviously they can do it, but they just ask for our assistance because if something happens with Americans, they would turn them over to us anyways."

"It's just a mutual law-enforcement relationship," said Special Agent Mitchell. "It's just a cop-to-cop type of thing, OSI has a great relationship with German Customs for a long time."

OSI agents work around the clock to keep military members and their families safe. Without the long lasting relationship with German Customs, it would be difficult for OSI to do what they do.