Almost $2.9 Million in Drugs;

CBP Officers in Arizona Net Almost $2.9 Million in Drugs; 3 Suspected Smugglers, 3 Warrants, and 15 People Arrested


May 5, 2010 - San Luis, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Field Operations officers remain alert for people attempting to bring in illicit drugs or attempting to enter the U.S. in violation of Federal laws. A total of 21 people were arrested just this past weekend: 15 for Immigration violations, three for outstanding warrants, and three suspected smugglers were caught with narcotics. The total street value of the seized drugs is close to $2,810,000.

On Friday, April 30, a 32-year-old U.S. citizen arrived at the San Luis port of entry from Mexico driving a Dodge Ram truck. The primary officer screening people and vehicles entering the country referred the driver to the secondary inspection based on observations and inconsistencies with answers to routine questions.

CBP officers in secondary with the assistance of a narcotic detector dog discovered five packages of marijuana concealed inside the auxiliary gas tank. The total weight of the marijuana seized was more than 131 pounds. The vehicle was also seized and the driver was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement Special Agents for further investigation.

On Saturday, May 1, an 18-year-old U.S. citizen arrived at the San Luis port of entry from Mexico driving a Chevrolet Cobalt. The primary officer screening people and vehicles entering the country referred the driver to the secondary inspection based on observations and inconsistencies with answers to routine questions.

CBP officers in secondary with the assistance of a narcotic detector dog and the X-ray machine discovered 32 packages concealed inside the firewall of the vehicle. The total weight of the seized marijuana was more than 71 pounds. The vehicle was also seized and the driver was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement Special Agents for further investigation.

On Sunday, May 2, a 25-year-old U.S. citizen arrived at the San Luis port of entry from Mexico driving a Dodge Avenger. The primary officer screening people and vehicles entering the country noticed discrepancies to the speaker box located inside the trunk. A thorough inspection was conducted with the assistance of a narcotic detector dog where 39 packages were discovered inside the speaker box. The total weight of the seized marijuana was more than 106 pounds. The vehicle was also seized and the driver was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents for further investigation.

Over this past weekend, 15 undocumented people were arrested for immigration violations. Of the 15 people, eight were prosecuted in federal court for being present in the United States illegally and the other seven were returned to Mexico. Additionally, three people were arrested for outstanding warrants and turned over to local law enforcement.