CBP finds illegal immigrants, meth

By
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Published: Monday, February 16, 2009 8:33 AM CST
Five illegal immigrants were found hidden inside a tractor-trailer Saturday at the Interstate 35 checkpoint, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said.

Also, U.S. Border Patrol agents said they seized about 13 pounds of methamphetamines Friday at the checkpoint.

CBP said the illegal immigrants were found after agents conducted an immigration inspection of the driver of the tractor-trailer.

During the inspection, a Border Patrol canine alerted agents toward the cab. Upon further inspection, agents discovered three illegal immigrants hidden in the sleeper, CBP said, while two others were found in a toolbox mounted on the frame under the cab.

The toolbox was secured by a latch only accessible from the outside, CBP said.

The driver and illegal immigrants were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

CBP said the driver faces possible felony smuggling charges and could also face a lifetime revocation of his commercial driver's license under the Texas Hold 'Em initiative.

On Friday night, CBP said agents found the methamphetamines after conducting an immigration inspection on two occupants traveling in a Chevrolet Tahoe.

During the inspection, a Border Patrol canine altered agents toward the front of the vehicle. Inside the vehicle's battery, agents found six cellophane-wrapped bundles containing about 12.9 pounds of methamphetamines, worth approximately $413,000, CBP said.

The drugs, vehicle and occupants were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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