To Catch a Smuggler

Synopsis

Millions enter the US through airports each year, and hid amongst them are a stream of contraband ill intentions. Defending our borders are the vigilant men and women of the Department of Homeland Security, whose agencies make up a three-tiered defense of America’s airports. DHS will stop at nothing to catch a smuggler.

First Air Date: 2020-01-01

Last Air Date: 2025-09-03

Number of Seasons: 9

Number of Episodes: 85

Networks: National Geographic

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Seasons

Specials (2012) - (5 Episodes)

Season 1 (2020) - (8 Episodes)

Season 2 (2021) - (15 Episodes)

Season 3 (2022) - (12 Episodes)

Season 4 (2022) - (10 Episodes)

Season 5 (2023) - (8 Episodes)

Season 6 (2023) - (8 Episodes)

Season 7 (2024) - (8 Episodes)

Season 8 (2024) - (8 Episodes)

Season 9 (2025) - (8 Episodes)

Specials (2012)

2012-Original Run

Episodes:

Ep. 1: Courier to Kingpin (2012-10-08)

Customs and Border Protection officers found 4 kilos of cocaine in the suitcase of a passenger arriving from Guyana. Homeland Security investigators are interrogating him and trying to find out who he brought the drugs for. Later, a young man from the Dominican Republic is stopped and questioned for his nervous behavior, while a man from Bangladesh comes forward with a confusing story. Meanwhile, investigative units scan luggage on overnight flights with X-ray machines and dogs in search of illegal substances, while postal packages are screened for contraband.
Ep. 2: Cavity Courier (2012-10-15)

Two passengers arriving from Guyana will also be noticed by customs. Cocaine was found in the converted suitcase of one of them, while the other was unable to give a meaningful answer when stopped and was taken in for questioning to find out the reason for his confusion. During the passport control, a suspicious stamp of a passenger arriving from Paraguay is noticed by the inspectors. A passenger from Jamaica is found to have cocaine in his shoe sole and is interrogated by a special agent for internal security. Meanwhile, postal packages are screened for illicit substances and an agricultural specialist searches passengers' baggage for illicit foodstuffs.
Ep. 3: Hidden Heroin (2012-10-22)

CBP's target team discovers a package containing engine pistons. When the weights of each piston begin to differ drastically, the officers decide to drill for drugs, leading them to a heroin trafficker in D.C.
Ep. 4: Coke in the Coat (2012-10-29)

After CBP officers search bags, they discover cocaine in the lining of some coats. In the mail room, Officer Boris identifies a package containing a photo album and half a pound of heroin worth around $13,000.
Ep. 5: Search & Seize (2012-11-05)

When an 18-year-old trying to smuggle cocaine in the lining of his suitcase is selected for a random baggage search, CBP officers find the narcotic seeping through cracks in his suitcase. Now they work to get him to cooperate and start naming names.