After chase, agents seize half ton of marijuana
Times staff report
Article Launched: 09/05/2007 04:13:19 PM MDT


U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol agents from the El Paso Sector seized more than half a ton of marijuana and arrested one suspected smuggler six miles west of the Fort Hancock Port of Entry after he attempted to flee on foot from his abandoned SUV this morning.

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol news release said that about 10 a.m., agents assigned to the Fort Hancock Border Patrol station attempted to stop a 2005 GMC Yukon on I-10, about two miles west of Fort Hancock. The SUV exited the interstate at the Acala Road exit where Fort Hancock agents deployed spikes in its path.

The truck continued south past Highway 20 into the desert where it came to a stop. The lone occupant of the truck jumped out and attempted to flee. The driver, a 33-year-old Mexican national, was taken into custody by agents who were able to follow his footprints. Inside the vehicle, agents found 1,083 pounds of marijuana.

At that same time, agents near the levee heard automatic fire from Mexico, but it is unclear if the shots were being fired at them. Border Patrol agents secured the area for safety reasons. No injuries were reported.

The subject and contraband were transported to the Fort Hancock Border Patrol Station for processing. Once entered into the national crime database, it was discovered that the driver had a prior criminal history, including possession of marijuana. The truck, reported stolen, was turned over to the Texas Department of Public


Safety. The narcotics and suspect were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration in El Paso.

http://www.elpasotimes.com/newupdated/ci_6809225