05.02.08
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seize 3 tons of marijuana


EL PASO, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers performing anti-terror inspections at El Paso area ports of entry seized 6,284 pounds of marijuana in 30 drug seizures this week. CBP officers encountered a variety of smuggling scenarios including cases involving a 14-year-old boy and a 63-year-old man.

On Wednesday, CBP officers working at the Paso Del Norte port of entry in downtown El Paso seized 26.5 pounds of marijuana that were hidden in a car being driven by a 14-year-old boy. The seizure occurred at approximately 5:25 p.m. when a 1994 Saturn entered the port from Mexico. CBP officers selected the vehicle for an intensive inspection during which CBP drug sniffing dog "Benno" alerted to the doors. CBP officers removed 24 marijuana-filled bundles from the doors of the car. The driver of the vehicle, a U.S. citizen who resides in Juarez, was turned over to the El Paso Police Department for prosecution.

On April 25, CBP officers at the PDN crossing seized 73.9.5 pounds of marijuana that were hidden in a car being driven by a 63-year-old man. The seizure occurred at approximately 4:45 a.m. when a 1997 Toyota Corolla entered the port from Mexico. A CBP officer at the primary inspection booth was interviewing the driver while a CBP canine enforcement officer was performing a sweep of cars in line. CBP drug sniffing dog "Udo" alerted to the Toyota. CBP officers searched the vehicle and removed 72 marijuana-filled bundles from compartments under the rear seat and in the trunk of the car. The driver of the vehicle, a U.S. citizen who resides in Juarez, was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for prosecution.

"Travelers sometimes question our officers about why they were selected for an inspection, asking the CBP officer if they think the traveler looks like a smuggler," said Arthur Gonzales, acting port director for U.S. Customs and Border Protection in El Paso. "Seizures made this week prove that a smuggler can look like just about anybody and serve as a reminder that CBP officers must remain vigilant to address the threats that present themselves daily at our area ports."

In addition to the drug seizures, area CBP officers uncovered 88 immigration violations this week. Intended immigrants made up the largest group of violators. A total of 50 were identified through thorough document exams. In these cases, individuals will use a legally issued border-crossing card (laser visa) to live or work in the U.S., which is not authorized. Violators generally lose their documents and are returned to Mexico. CBP officers this week also identified 28 imposters. Imposters generally will use a legitimate entry document assigned to another person and present it as their own. CBP officers also recorded 10 cases of people making false claims to U.S. citizenship, people attempting to enter with counterfeit or altered documents, and people attempting to enter without inspection.

Area CBP officers made five seizures of prohibited food and agricultural items this week, resulting in $1,025 in fines being assessed. Prohibited items seized this week included raw chicken, pork, mangoes, guavas, herbs and a live tree.

CBP officers this week also made two steroid seizures, confiscated a gun and ammunition, recorded five export violations, and seized $107,375 in unreported currency. While anti-terrorism is the primary mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the inspection process at the ports of entry associated with this mission results in high numbers of enforcement actions in all categories.

http://www.kvia.com/global/story.asp?s=8262182