Posted: 01/02/2013 04:18:13 PM MST
demingheadlight.com

EL PASO, Texas - Persistence paid off for U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the El Paso Sector when agents working the southwest quadrant of New Mexico and west Texas uncovered marijuana valued at $566,736 on Dec. 30, 2012 and Jan. 1, 2013.

On the first day of the year Deming Station Agents assigned to the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Unit encountered two Mexican Nationals attempting to smuggle 90.3 pounds of marijuana in to the United States.

The seized marijuana has an estimated street value of $72,240.

The custody of both subjects was turned over to The Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Border Patrol agents conducting patrol duties in southern New Mexico and Fabens, Texas discovered multiple bundles of marijuana in three incidents and locations throughout the desert area.

In each instance, the narcotics bundles were discovered hidden under a shroud of natural vegetation and rocks in an effort to conceal them from view.

In a separate incident, Alamogordo agents working at the Highway 70 checkpoint seized 127 pounds of marijuana concealed inside a speaker box in a vehicle. The adult female who was traveling with her two minor children was taken into custody and was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Las Cruces, NM along with the narcotics and vehicle. The minors were subsequently released to the care of a family member.

The total amount of marijuana seized on December 30, 2012 weighed approximately 618 pounds, and has an estimated street value of $494,496.

These incidents demonstrate how vigilance by U.S. Border Patrol Agents and the ability to rapidly respond to remote areas is combating the furtherance of illicit drugs into our community, while keeping our nation's borders safe.

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.

Border Patrol foils marijuana cargo - The Deming Headlight