88 pounds of cocaine seized at border crossings
arizona daily star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 08.09.2008
Customs officials this week seized 88 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $2.3 million from would-be smugglers at ports of entry in Nogales and Douglas. One of those arrested is 14 years old.
In four separate seizures Monday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers made arrests in connection with smuggling attempts, according to an announcement from Brian D. Levin, an agency spokesman.
The largest of the four cocaine seizures happened about 6:30 a.m. at the Douglas port of entry, when officers became suspicious as a woman was attempting to enter the United States in a 2006 Honda. Officers searched the vehicle and discovered 39 pounds of cocaine hidden in packages inside the car. They arrested the driver, a 42-year-old woman from Mexico.
The other three seizures occurred at the port of entry in Nogales.
About 11:30 a.m., officers discovered 12 pounds of cocaine hidden in a 1992 Ford F-150 truck and arrested the driver, a 31-year-old man from Mexico.
Less than two hours later, officers found 32 pounds of cocaine hidden inside a Volkswagen Jetta and arrested the driver, a 28-year-old man from Mexico.
About 2 p.m., officers at the Morley entrance became suspicious of a 14-year-old boy from Mexico entering the United States on foot. Officers found two packages of cocaine weighing almost 5 pounds strapped to the boy and arrested him.
Since Oct. 1, customs officials at Arizona ports of entry have stopped more than 100 cocaine smuggling attempts, seizing 2,872 pounds of the drug, at an estimated street value of $73.5 million.


http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/251984