Marijuana found in truck's tires
June 2, 2008 - 10:35PM
By Jose Borjon, The Brownsville Herald
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents netted more than 90 pounds of marijuana last week at the Gateway International Bridge, arresting a 22-year-old man on charges of allegedly smuggling the illegal drugs.



Alberto Meza Jr., a U.S. citizen, was arrested shortly after 11 a.m. Thursday on charges of possessing close to 96 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $76,000, said Felix Garza, a spokesman for CPB's Rio Grande Valley Sector.



During a secondary inspection, agents and the drug-detecting dog "Arlet" detected an odor emanating from Meza's tires, Garza said.



"X-ray images also revealed anomalies within the tires," he said. "During a personal search of Meza, officers found a personal use amount of marihuana hidden in one of his socks."



Agents removed 16 marijuana packages that were hidden in the truck's four tires.



Meza was turned over to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents and ICE agents continue to investigate the foiled smuggling attempt, Garza said.



Pending appearance before a U.S. magistrate, Meza remains incarcerated. His Ford F-150 pickup truck was impounded.






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