Border Patrol Agents Make Half-ton Marijuana Seizure

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Alamogordo, New Mexico – Border Patrol agents stationed in Alamogordo at a New Mexico highway traffic checkpoint seized more than a half-ton of marijuana Tuesday. The drugs were found in an after-market compartment inside a Ford van.

Agents observed a 1995 Ford Econoline van with two passengers arrive at the checkpoint. The driver of a 44-year old Mexican citizen, began to display unusual behavior. Based on the driver’s behavior, the van was referred to secondary

for further inspection where agents found a wooden compartment built into the floor of the vehicle.

Inside the compartment agents found 25 bundles of marijuana weighing more than 1,066 pounds. The estimated value of the contraband is $853,152.

The driver and his 32-year old passenger from Mexico were placed under arrest and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration in Las Cruces.