Over 450 pounds of marijuana seized at Douglas port
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 07.09.2008
advertisementMore than 450 pounds of marijuana has been seized at the Douglas port of entry since the beginning of the month, an official said Wednesday.
The drugs are said to be worth approximately $400,000, according to a news release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The latest seizure occurred Saturday night when a CBP officer became suspicious of the occupants of a 2002 Ford Windstar van and sent the vehicle for further inspection, the release said. A drug-sniffing dog alerted to the presence of narcotics, resulting in the discovery of 78 packages of marijuana that were hidden throughout the van.
The marijuana — weighing 110 pounds — and the van were seized. The 34-year-old driver and his 26-year-old passenger were arrested. Both are U.S. citizens, the release said.
A day earlier on the 4th of July, more than 16 pounds of marijuana was found hidden in the front fender of a 2000 Chevrolet Venture van, the release said. It had been selected for routine inspection, but the driver’s answers and discrepancies in the vehicle led to a thorough search.
The driver — a 38-year-old man — was arrested and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
On July 2, just before 8 p.m., a CBP officer became suspicious of the driver of a 2000 Buick Century, the release said. After inspecting the vehicle, officers found 266 pounds of marijuana that was hidden throughout.
The driver who is a permanent resident, was arrested.
Approximately 56 pounds of marijuana was found hidden inside a spare tire July 1 after officers noticed discrepancies in a 1997 Dodge pickup truck that was being driven by a 45-year-old from Mexico, the release said. He was arrested and turned over to ICE.

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