SAN LUIS, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Area Port of San Luis stopped two significant smuggling attempts of methamphetamine on Tuesday.
The first incident occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m., when CBP officers encountered a 42-year-old man driving a pickup truck applying for entry from Mexico. The driver, a Mexican citizen and legal permanent resident, was referred for further examination.
In the secondary inspection area, CBP officers used non-intrusive technology to screen the truck revealing anomalies within the vehicle. A CBP K-9 also alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle.
During an extensive search of the vehicle, CBP officers discovered and extracted 92 packages concealed in the spare tire, tailgate, and speaker box behind the backseat of the truck. The packages contained approximately 143 pounds of methamphetamine.
The second seizure occurred just hours later, at approximately 11:30 a.m., when CBP officers encountered a 65-year-old woman driving a sedan applying for entry from Mexico. The driver, a Mexican citizen with a B1/B2 visa, was referred for further examination.
In the secondary inspection area, a CBP K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics on the driver. CBP officers then performed a personal search of the driver resulting in the discovery of a package concealed around the traveler’s midsection. The packages contained more than 4 pounds of methamphetamine.
The seized narcotics had a combined estimated street value of $153,762.
“Our CBP officers and canine teams continue to be proactive and thorough in their methods to stop contraband from entering the country,” said Chris Leon, Area Port Director for San Luis. “Their commitment to upholding public safety cannot be understated.”
Officers seized the drugs and vehicles. The drivers were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Federal law allows officers to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
CBP’s Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within the Department of Homeland Security tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at our nation’s ports. CBP officers screen all people, vehicles and goods entering the United States while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. Their mission also includes carrying out border-related duties, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration and trade laws, and protecting the nation’s food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.
Follow us on Twitter .@CBPArizona, @DFOTucson, @CBPPortDirNOG. Report Terrorism, Drug Trafficking, Human Trafficking, or any other suspicious activity to: 866-739-9118.
