CBP in Andrade Finds 128 Packages of Marijuana throughout Vehicle

Andrade, California – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Andrade port of entry yesterday discovered 128 packages of marijuana in the gas tank, all four doors, and both rear quarter-panels of a 1999 Dodge Durango.

On Wednesday afternoon at 4 p.m., a CBP officer encountered the 25-year-old male driver of the Durango accompanied by a 28-year-old female and her minor child when they entered the port for inspection. The officer determined the vehicle and occupants needed a more intensive examination so he pulled them aside.

During the inspection, officers found marijuana packages hidden throughout the vehicle: 52 packages in the gas tank and 76 in the vehicle’s doors and rear-quarter panels. Total weight of the marijuana was 221 pounds, with street value of more than $100,000.

The driver and female passenger, both U.S. citizens, were arrested. The minor child, also a U.S. citizen, was turned over to the custody of a member of the mother’s family.

CBP seized the vehicle and marijuana.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.