117 pounds of cocaine seized at San Luis port

BY BRYON WELLS, SUN STAFF WRITER

Federal officers made a pair of cocaine seizures during the past two days at the San Luis Port of Entry, netting a total of 117 pounds of cocaine, authorities said.

The first seizure happened Wednesday morning when a 1997 Jeep Cherokee entered the port from Mexico. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer selected the vehicle for an inspection as it was crossing, said Customs spokesman Roger Maier in Texas.

A Customs drug-sniffing dog, Folger, searched the vehicle and alerted to the roof area of the SUV. Further examination revealed a false compartment in the ceiling, where agents found 25 cocaine-filled bundles weighing a total of 60.6 pounds, Maier said.

Felipe de Jesus Lugo Soto, 44, of San Luis Rio Colorado, was arrested in connection with the failed smuggling attempt, Maier said.

The second seizure occurred less than 24 hours later when a 1998 Ford Ranger entered the port from Mexico. Using equipment to detect
density, an officer detected hollow compartments in the truck's door panels. A search revealed 23 cocaine-filled bundles weighing 56.6 pounds, Maier said.