Have there been any published statements indicating stated purpose for transporting the mercury?

There might just be one outside possiblity that this guy is actually innocent of criminal intent.

It is possible that he may have thought of the mercury as a toy and was bringing it as a gift for a child or similar. Seems remote, but not altogether improbable. Besides, how expensive is mercury to buy? Is it on par with illegal drugs?

Before this man is crucified, let's understand his motives.

For the unkowing.
1 teaspoon of mercury in a closed football stadium will give off enough vapors to give everybody mercury poisining within 1 hour.

pelaut, before you begin issuing ad hominems at the customs officials, might i ask you to address the statement by Jim Harrington? do you consider mercury `poisoning to be sufficiently serious to warrant preventitive measures? just asking, as i am not versed in this area of knowledge.

Authorities closed three terminals at the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport out of concern for dangerous vapors Tuesday after a small amount of mercury spilled inside de Pena's suitcase.
Prosecutor Jose Ruiz, who argued against granting bail, said de Pena tried to fly with the toxic metal despite warnings from the person who provided it that he could not carry it on a ferry or an airplane.
"He knew he couldn't do it, but he went along and did it anyway," Ruiz said. "Fortunately there was no harm."
De Pena was initially charged only with transporting hazardous materials, but prosecutors later added the charge of reckless disregard for human life under an anti-terrorism statute that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Defense attorney Giovanni Canino called the terrorism-linked charge "ironic," saying his client has lived in this U.S. territory for years and has a son serving in the Navy in Afghanistan

Capital D for Dumb@ss

Puerto Rico customs officers really take their job seriously, and San Juan has gained a reputation for being "by the Federal book" and taking all regulations extremely serious.
But making such a fuss over some spilled mercury (toxic) for dentist fillings (amalgam) for the use a PR dentist, is really too much.

Nonsense. This is pure bureau-rats gone wild.
Stupid for not capping it properly, but fumes? To shut down the terminals?
Another greenie myth costing millions for society at large.

It look for me as cover up , Drama

shame that dentists are still using this material for fillings it has not been recommended for a few years...and is only used because it is cheap

Glomareplorer,
Ever heard of 911 ?
Ever watch the news ?
The possibility of an Terrorist attack is real ?
WE are at WAR !
NOTICE: Any toxic, explosive, Bio, Nuclear substance, Plastic replica weapon including a knife, box cutter, more then 8ozs. of FLUIDS etc..etc.. is not allowed on ANY FLIGHT.
Also any items questionable on any International or Domestic flight entering or leaving U.S soil should be DECLARED with U.S Customs prior to boarding so proper measures / storage if approved can be SAFELY SECURED.
Are you kidding Me or what...The possibility of a highly Dangerous substance spilling in flight at approx. 20,000 or 30,000 ft. altitude in a pressurized cabin......I'm sorry the danger He could of placed on all on aboard including himself not counting the Lives probably saved on the ground.......Enough said !...... You decide what His fate should be. As for Me under U.S FAA Law Ignorance is no excuse to break the Law, there's My answer.
Please reconsider y/thinking

JimHarrington,
Many thanks for the information provided and printed, realizing the Danger is SHOCKING to say the least.
The possibility of a gift / toy for a Child....I think I lost it........Someone please help Me find My mind.
GOOD JOB PR AUTHORITIES.
Take care.

What if he had masturbated and spilled semen on one of the hot flight attendants? Would that be considered a "hazardous material violation? LOL!

this is all fast Eddy ever thinks about

Edward,
LOL, Seeing that you wrote from Afghanistan [ so you claim ] I willing to bet you haven't been around Western Woman in a while it's understandable with Islamic Woman no make-up, FULLY CLOTHED from head to toe with Burkas, over protective Parents and Family etc..etc.. but still not exceptable. Being this is a International Forum for all to read, it's your personal business what you think, joke or do in private just don't get caught I understand Islamic Law will have your W%# W%# Whacked in a Heart Beat, ha ha ha !
I've been told that MJ's song "Beat It" has been banded due to it's sexual perverted misrepresentation ?
Besides I meant Hazardous and Dangerous Materials not Reproduction Liquids.
Take extra extra care Bro.

eddy has been choking the chicken again ......Strangulando el gallo

mrios,

Any chance you are being a little heavy-handed with your commentary to my commentary?

Any chance you've misconstrued content of my comments?

If you were to go back to my statements, then you would see that I merely rasised some hypothetical questions about substatiation of crimial intent, man's educational level, etc.

I am not so sure that there is enough money potential in smuggling mercury to justify risk of getting caught.

Yes, I recognized this man placed evreyone in vicinity in great danger. That's obvious. I also recognize that in US, "ignorants of laws are not excused". That makes everything else a moot point, as he will clearly face the consequences.

BTW, no need to insult my intelligence. As a frequent business traveler, I am very familiar with security, 911 and everything related. From my home in Brooklyn, I witnessed the twin towers being built; debris from their collapse landed in my yard and roof.

Cheers.

Glomarexplorer,
I never meant it insult You or anybody's intel. and I'm sorry if you took it that way. Chances are this Guy didn't realize the Danger ? maybe not ! but to assume He made a innocent mistake or no Criminal intent ....C'mon now with out any facts to support either....That would be Crystal balling it as a frequent Business traveler your self and having witnessing first hand the terrible 911Terrorist Act...again C'mon in this day and Age.

"This man being Crucified before knowing His motives" I'm sorry but good thing He got caught and nothing major happened, let this incident be a WAKE-UP call to all future Travelers and Vacationers of the possible dangers, which include YOU, MYSELF, OUR FAMILIES, LOVE ONES and FRIENDS, leaving nothing to chance.

Without insulting your Intel. may I ask whats-up with the "CHEERS" ?

May I add We meaning ALL only react to what WE read and the Articles are some what limited in details / info.

Take care.

Glomarexplorer,
I never meant it insult You or anybody's intel. and I'm sorry if you took it that way. Chances are this Guy didn't realize the Danger ? maybe not ! but to assume He made a innocent mistake or no Criminal intent ....C'mon now with out any facts to support either....That would be Crystal balling it as a frequent Business traveler your self and having witnessing first hand the terrible 911Terrorist Act...again C'mon in this day and Age.

"This man being Crucified before knowing His motives" I'm sorry but good thing He got caught and nothing major happened, let this incident be a WAKE-UP call to all future Travelers and Vacationers of the possible dangers, which include YOU, MYSELF, OUR FAMILIES, LOVE ONES and FRIENDS, leaving nothing to chance.

Without insulting your Intel. may I ask whats-up with the "CHEERS" ?

May I add We meaning ALL only react to what WE read and the Articles are some what limited in details / info.

Take care.

Previously Quoted By Mrios (GOOD JOB PR AUTHORITIES.)




I wouldn't be surprised if the Puerto Rican Authority used this particular issue as a form or way to get the Federal Govt. to approve more funding for Post 9/11 for the island of Puerto Rico, using this poor Dominican as an example.

MAYBE YOU DID NOT READ THIS Authorities closed three terminals at the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport out of concern for dangerous vapors Tuesday after a small amount of mercury spilled inside de Pena's suitcase.
Prosecutor Jose Ruiz, who argued against granting bail, said de Pena tried to fly with the toxic metal despite warnings from the person who provided it that he could not carry it on a ferry or an airplane.
"He knew he couldn't do it, but he went along and did it anyway," Ruiz said. "Fortunately there was no harm."
De Pena was initially charged only with transporting hazardous materials, but prosecutors later added the charge of reckless disregard for human life under an anti-terrorism statute that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Defense attorney Giovanni Canino called the terrorism-linked charge "ironic," saying his client has lived in this U.S. territory for years and has a son serving in the Navy in Afghanistan

He was warned before he did it .......the Dumb@ss

transporting hazardous materials, That should be the only charge on this man..

WOW !

FredCDobbs,

Now that's news to me. I guess that changes everything huh ! see not all details or updates are printed, no fault to DT they only print what's available for the news scoop.

Camano,
Your probably right if He was transporting the stuff in His personal luggage in the Aircraft cargo bay, but.....As I understand it....On His person ?

Why has there not been a call for the death sentence for this man? He violated US federal law. This is an outrage that he is still alive.