Over $903k worth in drugs seized at port of entry
A man and four U.S. Citizens have been apprehended in four separate attempts to smuggle 282 pounds of methamphetamine and cocaine through the Port of San Luis totaling $903,000.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, they referred a 69-year-old Yuma man for additional inspection of his Ford truck as he attempted to enter the U.S. early Tuesday morning. A CBP narcotics detection canine detected a scent coming from the gas tank. Officers discovered 130 packages of narcotics. The drugs were identified as 75 pounds of meth estimating more than $224,000.
That afternoon officers referred an 18-year-old Tolleson woman for further inspection of her Nissan Sedan as she attempted to enter the U.S. Officers searched the vehicle and located 70 packages of narcotics. The packages were determined to be 95 pounds of meth estimated at $286,000. Officers also seized 3 pounds of cocaine estimating $63,000.
Early Wednesday morning a 28-year-old Phoenix woman and a 22-year-old female passenger were questioned as officers referred a Toyota Sedan for further inspection. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 55 pounds of meth estimating $164,000 that was hidden inside the rear quarter panels as well as in the spare tire.
On Wednesday afternoon a 57-year-old Mexican national from San Luis, Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mexico was referred for additional inspection of his Ford SUV. A canine alerted to the presence of drugs, where officers removed 60 packages of drugs from a non-factory compartment in the rear of the cab wall. The drugs were identified as 55 pounds of meth estimating $166,000.
Officers seized the drugs and the vehicles, while all five subjects were arrested and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
