http://www.thedesertsun.com/apps/pbcs.d ... E/70124041

Border agents seize $175,000 in marijuana during inspections




Colin Atagi
The Desert Sun
January 24, 2007

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
United States Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol agents recovered 218 pounds of marijuana in two separate incidents today.

At about 9:55 a.m., Indio station agents inspected a 2001 Dodge Caravan at the inspection area on Highway 86. A K-9 team found 128 pounds of marijuana, worth about $102, 320, hidden in the vehicle, according to a U.S. customs and Border Protection news release.

The van’s two occupants are described as 50- and 70-year-old female Mexican nationals with valid border crossing cards. The suspects and the marijuana were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.

About a half hour later, agents at the Highway 111 checkpoint inspected a 1995 Volkswagon Jetta. Officers found 90 pounds of marijuana worth $71,943 under a rear seat, according to the release.

The 22-year-old male driver, a Mexico resident, was turned over to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, along with the marijuana.