EL PASO: Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted 82.5 pounds of marijuana Monday at the Ysleta Port of Entry (POE), which carries a value of approximately $66,040.
The seizure was made at the Ysleta POE at approximately 9 p.m. after a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado truck arrived at the port from Mexico. A CBP officer at the primary inspection station discovered the drug cache with the assistance of CBP drug-sniffing dog, “Buster,” when the canine alerted to the fuel tank area. CBP officers examined the gas tank further and ultimately removed a total of 78 bundles of marijuana from the tank area. The marijuana had an approximate weight of 82.55 pounds.
“As we continue to see, the holidays are not exempt from smugglers attempting to bring illicit drugs into the United States through our international ports of entry,” said Beverly Good, CBP El Paso Port Director.
CBP officers arrested the driver of the load, a 26-year old male from Delicias, Mexico. The Assistant U.S. Attorney accepted the case for prosecution. The vehicle and narcotics were seized by CBP as evidence.
CBP Field Operations is responsible for securing our borders at the ports of entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers’ primary mission is anti-terrorism since they screen all persons, vehicles and goods coming into the U.S., while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel into and out of the United States. Their mission also includes carrying out traditional border-related responsibilities, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration law, protecting the nation’s food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases, while enforcing trade laws.
