Cocaine allegedly found strapped to women's bodies
Times staff report
Article Launched: 11/19/2007 01:50:15 PM MST


How the drugs were allegedly found on the women. (Courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Protection)U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers performing anti-terror inspections at the Paso Del Norte international crossing in El Paso seized 14.9 pounds of cocaine Saturday night.
The seizure was made when a 2005 Ford Focus with two female occupants arrived at the port from Mexico.

A CBP officer at the primary inspection booth interviewed the driver and passenger of the car and noted they were nervous and evasive during routine questioning. The vehicle was sent to the secondary inspection area for a more thorough exam. During the secondary inspection, CBP officers determined that both women had bundles concealed under their clothing, according to CBP officials.

CBP officers continued the inspection and found that each woman

How the drugs were allegedly found on the women. (Courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Protection)had cocaine-filled bundles held in place against their abdomen with elastic girdles. The women were taken into custody.
Two Mexican women were taken into custody following the drug bust. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents arrested both women in connection with the alleged failed smuggling attempt.

The driver of the car, 30-year-old Maria Mercedes Hidalgo Lopez of Camargo, Chihuahua, Mexico, allegedly carried three cocaine-filled bundles weighing 7.4 pounds.

The passenger, 20-year-old Armida Prieto Vasquez of Camargo, Chihuahua, Mexico, also allegedly carried three cocaine-filled bundles weighing 7.5 pounds.



http://www.elpasotimes.com/newupdated/ci_7507210