C.B.P. News Release

CBP Seizes More than $14 Million in Narcotics in June at Nogales Port of Entry

(Tuesday, July 07, 2009)

Nogales, Ariz. — Customs and Border Protection officers working the Nogales ports of entry were quite busy in June as they seize more than $14 million in narcotics. In addition to the narcotics seizures, weapons and currency was also seized.

Since June 1, CBP officers working at the ports of entry in Nogales foiled 66 attempts to smuggle narcotics into the United States. The combined weight of the marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin was more than 2,600 pounds. The estimated street value $14 million plus.

Smugglers utilized various methods in an attempt to conceal the narcotics. Gas tanks, tires, dashes, ice chests, and even as far as using juvenile body carriers. All the violators were arrested and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation.

In addition to preventing narcotics from entering the United States, CBP officers were also busy preventing weapons and currency from entering Mexico. Officers confiscated rifles, handguns, ammunition and more than $180,000 in undeclared currency. In one attempt, smugglers used a bag of dry dog food to hide the weapons.

As with the narcotic violator, the weapons and currency violators were also turned over to ICE for further investigation.

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.

Contacts For This News Release
Edith Serrano
CBP Public Affairs
Phone: (520) 761-2863 or
(520) 375-5785

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/new ... 2009_3.xml