El Paso teacher jailed in Mexico on drug smuggling allegations

By Adriana M. Chávez / El Paso Times
Posted: 05/31/2011 09:27:41 AM MDT

A teacher at a South-Central El Paso school remains in Mexican custody this morning on allegations that she tried to transport more than 100 pounds of marijuana into the U.S.
Isela Martinez Amaya, 35, was arrested by Mexican federal officers early Thursday after they found 110 pounds of marijuana in her car on the Mexican side of the Stanton Street bridge.

Martinez Amaya is also known as "Ana" at La Fe Preparatory School where she teaches fourth grade. Estela Reyes, a spokeswoman for La Fe, said Martinez Amaya has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the Mexican investigation.

Reyes declined further comment.

Mexican media outlets reported over the weekend that Martinez Amaya and her family live in Juárez. She teaches in El Paso on a special work visa.