C.B.P. News Release

CBP Officers Seize More Than $4 Million in Drugs Lukeville Port of Entry

(Tuesday, November 17, 2009)

Lukeville, Ariz. - Customs and Border Protection officers at the Lukeville port of entry stopped a smuggling attempt of marijuana valued at more than $4 million and arrested two.

The notable seizure occurred Monday, November 16, at the Lukeville port of entry. CBP officers conducting routine checks of travelers entering the country selected a 2005 Ford F-350 pick-up and attached ALFA 5th wheel trailer for exam. The vehicle was occupied by two U.S. citizen men from Scottsdale, Arizona.

During exam, CBP officers utilized a narcotic detection dog who alerted to the presence of narcotics near the floor area of the trailer. When CBP officers searched the trailer they discovered 128 bundles of marijuana concealed inside the flooring. The approximate weight of the narcotic was 1,968 pounds with an estimated street value of just over $4,723,488.

Lukeville Port Director Richard Gill said, “1,968 pounds is a significant amount of narcotics that will not make it to the streets. The combination of officer expertise, K-9s, technology and special teams all came together to thwart this smuggling attempt.â€