CBP Officers Foil Three Major Narcotic Seizures at California Port

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Calexico, Calif. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Calexico downtown port of entry intercepted three significant narcotic smuggling attempts during one morning last week, preventing 110 pounds of cocaine, 135 pounds of marijuana, three pounds of liquid hash, and six pounds of marijuana seeds from entering the United States.

The most recent interception occurred at about 10:10 a.m. on Thursday, when a 31-year-old Mexican citizen driving a 1997 white Toyota 4-Runner was referred to the secondary inspection area for an intensive examination.

An inspection of the vehicle and utilization of a canine alerted officers to the ceiling area of the vehicle. Closer inspection of the area revealed a metal plate that concealed 22 packages of cocaine wrapped in aluminum foil, brown postal tape and cellophane weighing a total of 58 pounds.

The male driver, a Tecate, Mexico resident, was placed under arrest and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for further disposition.

The second smuggling attempt occurred earlier that day at about 8:35 a.m. when a 27-year-old male U.S. citizen driving a 2000 white Toyota Tacoma was referred by officers to the secondary area for an inspection.

During the secondary inspection, utilization of a canine and a tool to measure density alerted officers to the vehicle’s spare tire. Further examination revealed 20 wrapped packages of cocaine concealed within the tire with a total weight of 52 pounds.

The driver, a San Diego resident, was arrested by ICE agents and transported to the Imperial County jail to await arraignment for the alleged importation of narcotics.

The third smuggling attempt occurred at about 6 a.m. when a 31-year-old Mexican male and his female passenger were referred to the secondary inspection area for an examination.

While in the vehicle secondary inspection area, CBP officers utilizing a canine were alerted to different areas of the vehicle. Further inspection of the vehicle revealed packages concealed in the front bumper, front side door, quarter panels, rear passenger seats, and rear cargo door.

A total of 60 cellophane-wrapped packages were seized. One package tested positive for hash, four smaller packages held marijuana seeds, and 55 packages contained marijuana. The total weight of the contraband was 144 pounds.