Marijuana Seized by CBP Officers at San Luis, Ariz. Port

Friday, February 29, 2008

San Luis, Ariz – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a 42-year-old man Wednesday morning after discovering more than 247 pounds of marijuana hidden throughout the vehicle he was driving.

"The seizure reflects the abilities and the initiative of our outstanding officers in meeting today's threat of narcotic smuggling," said assistant port director Robert Schroeder.

At approximately 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, a 42-year-old legal permanent resident attempted to enter the country through the vehicle primary lanes at the San Luis, Ariz. port of entry. A CBP officer screening travelers entering the United States became suspicious after noticing discrepancies with the vehicle, a 1989 Chevrolet Suburban, and referred the driver for further inspection.

During the inspection, officers discovered 84 packages of marijuana, weighing more than 247 pounds, hidden throughout the vehicle.

The man was immediately arrested and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation and prosecution.

This is the second largest seizure since January and CBP officers at the ports of entry in Arizona have stopped several narcotics smuggling attempts seizing over 3,987 pounds of marijuana and 61 pounds of cocaine in January alone.

The estimated street value of marijuana is in excess of $2 million and the cocaine is estimated at approximately $91,000.