Published: 01.01.2009

Load of squash includes 3,000 lbs. of marijuana
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
NOGALES, Ariz. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found nearly 3,000 pounds of marijuana hidden in a shipment of squash at the U.S. port of entry in Nogales.
Agency spokesman Christopher Larkins said Wednesday that the driver of the tractor-trailer carrying the shipment tried to flee when officers at the port targeted the load for examination.
Officers quickly apprehended the driver and found 143 packages of marijuana they estimate is worth $4.6 million in the driver's shipment of squash.
The driver was arrested and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Larkins said the driver was a participant in the Free and Secure Trade program, which allows drivers who agree to an intrusive background check to use a special lane at ports of entry to avoid heavy traffic.
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