| |
| Written by Border Scope | |
| Tuesday, 26 May 2009 | |
| San Luis, Arizona - Customs and Border Protection officers inspect patio furniture and find more than just cement. The CBP officer’s job of protecting the American border can be interesting because of the unusual smuggling methods. However, when it comes to smuggling illegal contraband the buck stops with the CBP officers assigned at the San Luis, Arizona, port of entry. “Securing the border is paramount to the officer’s and this factor is what drives them to do such an outstanding job,” said Port Director William K. Brooks. On May 21st, a 30-year-old California resident applied for entry into the U.S. while driving a Dodge pickup truck. A CBP officer processing travelers referred the man to the vehicle secondary lot due the driver’s inconsistent behavior. In secondary the CBP officers conducted the inspection and found 94 pounds of marijuana hidden within the cement patio furniture being hauled. Also, 79 pounds of cocaine in a Jeep Cherokee were intercepted by CBP officers from a 28-year-old woman and her passenger. A CBP officer processing travelers referred the two women to the vehicle secondary lot for further inspection. Once in the secondary lot the CBP officers conducted an inspection of the vehicle and discovered packages of cocaine hidden within the gas tank. The vehicle, cocaine and miscellaneous items were all seized. The women were both immediately arrested and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation. The cocaine has an estimated street value of $2,010,624.00 Another interception by CBP officers occurred when a 53-year-old was driving a GMC pickup truck and found to have 145 pounds of marijuana hidden within the gas tank. CBP officers also stopped a 35-year-old United States citizen with 139 pounds of marijuana hidden within the four mounted tires of the Ford Expedition he was driving. A 34- year-old United States citizen woman was intercepted with 75 pounds of marijuana hidden within the roof of the Isuzu Trooper she was driving. Also, a Ford F-150 driven by a 46-year-old man was found by CBP officers to have 174 pounds of marijuana hidden in the bed of the truck. In the above marijuana cases the drivers were all immediately arrested and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation. The marijuana has a total estimated street value of $1,505,856.00. |
