C.B.P. News Release

Arizona Port Runner Receives $5,000 Penalty

(Monday, August 17, 2009)

San Luis, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Field Operations officers perform a variety of inspections at the port of entry, among them the inspection of vehicles and persons leaving the U.S. Vehicles and pedestrians are required to submit to a Customs inspection when requested by CBP officers. Failure to submit for inspection could lead to fines up to $5,000.00, seizure of the conveyance, and arrest and possible federal prosecution for violations under the United States Code.

Travelers are reminded that cooperation and prompt submission to a Customs inspection will assist the officers in expediting the traveler’s trip into Mexico. Unwillingness or resistance to the inspection will initiate a referral to secondary inspection, where the traveler might experience considerable delays. Depending on the case, the traveler might also face possible detention and/or fines. It is the goal of Customs and Border Protection to minimize the time necessary for completion of the inspection at initial contact with the traveler and/or at secondary inspection.

On the early morning hours of August 10, a 22 year-old U.S. citizen male was signaled to stop for inspection by CBP officers, working the southbound lanes of Highway 95 next to the port of entry at San Luis, Ariz. The man did not stop as required and sped off into Mexico. The vehicle was suspected of being stolen and the man was suspected of involvement in the crime.

On August 12, the suspected driver of the fleeing vehicle was escorted to the port of entry by Mexican officers and turned over to CBP officers. CBP officers processed the man for a $5,000.00 fine for failure to stop for inspection. The man was then turned over to the Yuma Police Department for his alleged involvement in theft of a vehicle and burglary.

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
Miguel A. Valadez
CBP Public Affairs
Phone: (928) 627-8854 Ext: 349

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/new ... 2009_7.xml