San Luis CBP officers arrest meth smugglers

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a Mexican national and a Somerton resident Tuesday morning in connection to separate failed smuggling attempts through the San Luis Port of Entry.

An 18-year-old Somerton woman was referred to further inspection of her KIA sedan early Tuesday when attempting to enter the United States. A CBP canine alerted to the gas tank where officers found more than 43 pounds of methamphetamine valued at more than $130,000.

A few hours later, a 24-year-old male legal permanent resident was sent to further inspection of his Saturn SUV by officers. Like the earlier incident, a CBP canine alerted to the spare tire and spare tire cargo area. The drugs weighed nearly 53 pounds, with an estimated value of almost $159,000.

CBP officers arrested both subjects for narcotics smuggling and seized the vehicles and drugs.