Illegal immigrants pulled from hazardous container

02/07/2008
Border Patrol agents assigned to the Freer station stopped a human smuggling attempt Tuesday and rescued nine illegal immigrants hidden inside an unventilated hazardous-cargo container.According to authorities, the nine illegal immigrants were sitting atop steel drums containing a liquid compound labeled as a "hazardous material."

The steel drums were inside an 18-wheeler rig pulling a flatbed trailer with a steel shipping container making its way to the checkpoint on U.S. 59.

During an immigration inspection, a Border Patrol canine indicated the possible presence of hidden contraband or people in the container, officials said.

Agents examined the container and noticed the doors had been sealed shut with a steel bolt.

Agents cut the bolt, opened the doors and discovered the nine illegal immigrants inside.

Officials said all of the immigrants were sweating profusely because of the high temperature inside the unventilated container; none had drinking water.

As of Wednesday evening, it was undetermined how long the group had been sealed in the container. Despite the hazardous conditions, none of the immigrants required medical attention, officials said.

The truck, the driver and the immigrants were turned over to U.S. Immigration Custom Enforcement agents.

To report suspicious activity such as drug and/or alien smuggling, call the Laredo Sector Border Patrol, toll-free, at (800) 343-1994.

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