What I do is sign up for email notification for the RP thread itself.
EDIT: As far as tactics go, this actually seems to be very similar to my competitive paintball games with only the addition of a VIP. Essentially, there's a few ways to run this.
Elimination: We don't focus on getting the runner to the objective but instead plan on destroying the enemy force. Runner remains protected but still in some danger since she's near the fighting.
Two Group Deception: One large force delays and pins the Border Control whilst the runner and a couple escorts sneak and dash towards where-ever they need to go.
Modified Group Deception: Main force delays and pins as above. A decoy runner leaves first, in sight of the Border Control, makes them think they're the real group and then lead them (or a part of the Border control) away from the drug runners. Whilst the main drug runner and border control groups are slugging it out and the decoy has led some border control away, the real runner and escorts sneak away to the objective.
One of the group deception plans seems best to me but if anyone else has better ideas, please share.