May 20, 2009  San Luis, Arizona
CBP officers stop several smuggling attempts of marijuana and cocaine

On May 21, 2009 a 30-year-old California resident applied for entry into the U.S. while driving a Dodge pickup truck.  A CBP officer processing travelers referred the man to the vehicle secondary inspection due the driver's inconsistent behavior.

In secondary the CBP officers conducted an inspection and found 94 pounds of marijuana hidden within the cement patio furniture being hauled.

In another case that day, 35.91 kilograms of cocaine in a Jeep Cherokee were intercepted by CBP officers from a 28-year-old woman and her passenger. A CBP officer processing travelers referred the two women to the vehicle secondary lot for further inspection.

Once in the secondary lot the CBP officers preformed an inspection of the vehicle and found packages of cocaine hidden within the gas tank. The vehicle, cocaine and miscellaneous items were all seized. The women were both immediately arrested and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation. Another interception by CBP officers occurred when a 53-year-old was driving a GMC pickup truck and found 145 pounds of marijuana hidden within the gas tank.

CBP officers also stopped a 35-year-old United States citizen with 139 pounds of marijuana hidden within the four mounted tires of a Ford Expedition.

Later a 34- year-old United States citizen woman was intercepted with 75 pounds of marijuana hidden within the roof of the Isuzu Trooper she was driving.

Also, a Ford F-150 driven by a 46-year-old man was found with 174 pounds of marijuana by CBP hidden in the bed of the truck.

In the above marijuana cases the drivers were all immediately arrested and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation.

Source: US Customs and Border Protection