Traffic Stop Yields Half-Ton of Marijuana, Stolen Vehicle

(Thursday, August 14, 2008)

Santa Teresa, N.M. – Early today, Border Patrol agents from Santa Teresa, N.M conducted a traffic stop on a reported stolen vehicle and located a large cache of contraband.

At approximately 6:45 a.m., agents observed a Chevrolet Tahoe traveling eastbound on New Mexico Highway 9. The agent requested a records check on the Texas registration and the license plate returned with a stolen vehicle report.

Agents initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. Upon stopping and making close contact with the vehicle, they were immediately able to detect a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the Chevy truck. A closer look into the truck revealed several bundles of suspected marijuana wrapped in cellophane tape. The driver and passenger of the SUV were immediately placed under arrest and subsequently transported to the Santa Teresa Border Patrol Station along with the vehicle and suspected narcotics.

The green-leafy substance found in the bundles tested positive for the properties of marijuana. A total of 1,048.4 pounds of marijuana were seized and turned over with the driver and passenger to the Drug Enforcement Administration in Las Cruces, N.M. for prosecution.

These types of arrests are indicative of the commitment by Border Patrol agents in their efforts to rid the area of menacing narcotics, while increasing the quality of life in the communities that they serve.

In fiscal year 2008, the U.S. Border Patrol in El Paso Sector has made 848 narcotics seizures, valued at over $79 million.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

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