Drugs seized, fugitives arrested at CA. border checkpoints

By Debbi Baker
Union-Tribune Staff Writer
9:11 a.m. July 14, 2009

Customs and Border Protection officers seized drugs valued at $9 million and arrested 32 fugitives at six CA. border crossings last week, authorities said Monday.

The seizures and arrests were made at ports of entry from San Ysidro to Andrade in the Imperial Valley between July 6 and 13, officials said.

In 63 separate cases, agents confiscated 4,320 pounds of marijuana, 470 pounds of cocaine, 90 pounds of methamphetamine and 2 pounds of heroin.

In some cases the drugs were found hidden in false compartments behind dashboards and under the floorboards of vehicles, and in one case the narcotics were discovered inside the fuel tank of a tractor-trailer.

The fugitives were all wanted on felony warrants for crimes including assaults and counterfeiting, as well as narcotics charges, officials said.

Debbi Baker: (619) 293-1710;

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