CBP Seizes $3 Million In Drugs at Arizona Ports

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Tucson, Ariz. — A 22-year-old man from Phoenix is now in custody after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Lukeville, Ariz. port of entry thwarted an attempt to smuggle almost $2 million in marijuana into the country hidden inside a false wall of a trailer. Three others are in custody after being arrested in connection to failed heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine smuggling attempts at the Nogales port of entry.

CBP officers working at the Lukeville port of entry Saturday afternoon were screening visitors and U.S. residents coming into the country when they stopped a 2002 Chevy Silverado pickup towing a trailer with all-terrain vehicles inside. While questioning the driver they became suspicious of his answers to routine questions and decided further inspection was warranted.

Officers inspecting the trailer noticed discrepancies, so the ATVs were removed and the inside of the trailer was checked thoroughly. The officers discovered a compartment built into the front of the trailer that, when opened, they found to be filled with marijuana. A total of 59 bundles, weighing 1,236 pounds, were removed and secured. The truck, trailer, all-terrain vehicles and marijuana were all seized. The driver was arrested and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents. Estimated street value of the marijuana is $2 million.