Border Patrol seizes ton of pot

By SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Published: Tuesday, April 7, 2009 11:53 AM CDT

Border Patrol agents seized three loads of marijuana in separate cases Monday and today at the I-35 checkpoint.

The largest seizure occurred early this morning when agents performed an immigration inspection of the driver of a tractor-trailer.

During the inspection, a Border Patrol canine alerted toward the trailer. Agents searched the trailer and found dozens of cellophane-wrapped bundles among the legitimate cargo load of wooden doors. The bundles contained marijuana with a total weight of 2,040.8 pounds and an estimated street value of $1.6 million.

In a case Monday morning, agents seized marijuana from a sedan that pulled into the checkpoint. As the agents conducted immigration inspections of the two occupants, a Border Patrol canine alerted toward the vehicle. Agents searched the car and found several cellophane-wrapped bundles hidden inside the gas tank. The bundles contained marijuana with a total weight of 98.4 pounds and an estimated street value of $78,720.

The third seizure occurred when agents performed immigration inspections of passengers on a commercial bus. During the inspection, a Border Patrol canine alerted toward two suitcases in the luggage compartment. Agents searched the suitcases and found a large bundle in each one. The bundles contained marijuana with a total weight of 56.9 pounds and an estimated value of $45,520. The bags were not tagged and none of the passengers claimed ownership.

All of the drugs, subjects and privately owned vehicles involved with these cases were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration

To report suspicious activity such as drug and/or alien smuggling, contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free telephone number at (800) 343-1994.

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