CBP News Releases

C.B.P. Snags U.S. Citizen, Foils 3 Smuggling Attempts

(Friday, October 31, 2008)

Douglas, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers apply the principals of layered enforcement while stopping three smuggling attempts which resulted in the seizure of 174 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $70,400.

On Wednesday at about 6:40 a.m., a CBP officer K-9 team, as part of the layered enforcement, was conducting a search on all vehicles that were awaiting entry into the United States. A K-9 response indicated that a Pontiac being driven by a 34-year-old U.S. citizen woman contained narcotics. A search of her vehicle revealed over 77 pounds of marijuana in the rear quarter panels with a street value of $31,000.

On Thursday, the impact of layered enforcement was again evident when two more attempted smuggling efforts were intercepted. On post-primary at around 11:35 a.m. based on officer experience and observational skills, a CBP officer selected a 1984 Toyota Tercel for inspection. A compartment was discovered in the roof of the vehicle from which 49 pounds of marijuana was retrieved with a street value of $19,900. Later on that same day while on primary, a CBP officer selected a 1984 Chevy Blazer for inspection. The vehicle was found to contain over 48 pounds of marijuana concealed in the back seat, for a street value of $19,500.

“Since the organization of Customs and Border Protection, the principal of Layered Enforcement has been intensified to meet our commitment to protecting our nation’s borders.â€