Over half a million dollars in heroin seized by Nogales border agents

07:49 PM MST on Tuesday, June 12, 2007

By Alicia Barrón, Fox 11 News

A routine inspection at the Nogales border resulted in the discovery of $571,000 worth of heroin.

According to a news release, Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Specialists at the Nogales port of entry noticed unusual items inside a suitcase while inspecting baggage for passengers traveling in a shuttle from Mexico on June 11. The suspicious items were detected by agents using a baggage x-ray machine who then notified officers who were screening the passengers.

A narcotics dog was brought in to inspect the bag and alerted agents to the odor of narcotics.

The news release indicates the owner of the suspicious bag, a 36-year-old man from Santa Ana, Sonora, tried to run from the officers but was apprehended and placed in a holding cell after a brief chase.

CBP officers found over 10 pounds of heroin in seven packages hidden inside the lining of the suspect's suitcase.

He has been turned over to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents.

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