Friday, May 11, 2012

CBP U.S. Border Patrol Canine Teams Prove Successful in Intercepting Drugs


Tucson, Ariz. – Multiple CBP U.S. Border Patrol canine teams made significant discoveries in the past 48 hours, according to agents reporting simultaneous cocaine and marijuana seizures.

Nogales Station agents working at the I-19 checkpoint Tuesday arrested an individual attempting to smuggle cocaine after a canine detection team alerted to the vehicle as it entered the primary inspection lanes. The driver and vehicle were moved to a secondary inspection where agents discovered multiple bricks of cocaine worth approximately $625,000.

Wilcox Station agents working at the State Highway 191 checkpoint made a similar find when a canine team located approximately 100 pounds of marijuana hidden throughout a vehicle. Following the driver’s arrest, the narcotics, valued at about $50,000, and vehicle were seized for evidence.

Both smugglers face possible federal prosecution.

Specially trained Border Patrol canines prove highly valuable in searches for hidden people and narcotics. Every canine working in the field first undergoes a rigorous selection and instruction process, followed by weeks of specialized training with their assigned handler. Specialty teams provide the Border Patrol a way to customize their rapid response tactics to ensure safer border communities.

Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling (877) 872-7435 toll free.

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 official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

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