CBP in Los Angeles Seizes Volkswagen Bus Stolen in 1974

Vehicle was Found inside Container Bound for Europe

(Thursday, November 5, 2009)

Los Angeles ' As a result of an outbound operation at the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials seized a 1965 Volkswagen Bus which was reported stolen in Spokane, Wash., more than 35 years ago.

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Stolen Volkswagen bus found in cargo container.

On October 19, CBP officers assigned to the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport complex while examining a container scheduled to be exported to the Netherlands discovered the vehicle. After running VIN on a law enforcement database, CBP officers detected that the vehicle had been reported stolen as per the Spokane Police Department in July 12, 1974.

CBP officers contacted state authorities who confirmed that the 1965 Volkswagen Bus case was still open and that the current owner of the car was an insurance company. The vehicle was released to the local authorities who notified the current owner about the seizure.

"This is a unique case that reflects our strategic approach in utilizing the best of intelligence, training and use of information in enforcing laws and regulations at our ports," said Kevin Weeks, CBP director of Field Operations.

The 1965 Volkswagen Bus is in pristine condition and still running.

Jaime Ruiz, CBP Public Affairs, Phone: (562) 980-3200 Ext: 127

CBP Headquarters, Office of Public Affairs, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Room 3.4A, Washington, DC 20229

Phone:(202) 344-1780 or, (800) 826-1471Fax:(202) 344-1393

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