CBP in Arizona Arrest Three in Connection With Failed Cocaine Smuggling Attempt

Nogales, Ariz. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested three women, ranging in age from 21- to 70-years-old, in connection with a failed attempt at smuggling almost 28 pounds of cocaine into the country at the Nogales port of entry yesterday.

“By using people of different ages and blending in with normal traffic, smugglers hope to reduce any suspicions our officers might have, “said Port Director James Tong, “but we don’t rely simply on a person’s age or appearance when determining whether to search or not.”

Slightly past 1 p.m. yesterday, a CBP officer screening people and vehicles coming into the U.S. encountered a 21-year-old woman driving a Volkswagon Beetle. With her were two passengers, a 46-year-old woman and a 70-year-old woman. The officer became suspicious of their behavior during routine primary questioning and sent all three in for further inspection.

Officers inspecting the vehicle also became suspicious of their behavior and decided that a personal inspection of each of the women was needed. As a result, officers discovered more than 10 pounds of cocaine hidden on the body and in the purse of the driver. They also found more than 10 pounds of cocaine hidden on the body and in the purse of the 46-year-old passenger, and almost 8 pounds of cocaine hidden inside the purse of the 70-year-old passenger.

In all, almost 28 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated street value of more than $460,000 was seized.

All three women, who are Mexican citizens from Nogales, Sonora, were immediately arrested and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation.