October 30, 2007  El Paso, Texas
Customs agents find 14 kilograms of cocaine inside of hidden compartment

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Bridge of the Americas international crossing at the El Paso port of entry seized 36 pounds of cocaine Tuesday afternoon. The drugs were concealed in a vehicle being driven by a 61-year-old Mexican male and have an estimated street value of more than $1 million.

The seizure was made just after 1 p.m. when a 2007 Honda Civic occupied by a lone male entered the port from Mexico. A CBP officer at the primary inspection booth initiated an inspection on the vehicle and received high density meter readings consistent with hidden contraband while scanning the rear quarter panels.

A CBP drug detector dog searched the vehicle and alerted to the same area. CBP officers continued their inspection and discovered 14 cocaine-filled bundles in the quarter panels. The cocaine weighed 36 pounds.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents arrested the driver of the vehicle in connection with the failed smuggling attempt. He is identified as 61-year-old Servando Mayor-Ramirez of Camargo, Chihuahua, Mexico.

Source: US Customs