EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Over 127 pounds of methamphetamine were seized at the El Paso area ports of entry in two incidents this weekend, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said on Monday, June 30, in a news release.
The first incident happened on Saturday, June 28, when a 30-year-old Mexican citizen driving a Chrysler Pacifica attempted to make entry from Mexico at the Ysleta international crossing, CBP said.
CBP said an officer working at the primary inspection booth selected the vehicle for a secondary exam after a low-energy portal scan revealed anomalies in the appearance of the truck. A CBP drug-sniffing dog alerted to the presence of narcotics during a sweep of the vehicle.
Officers launched a physical exam of the car and located a hidden compartment. They removed 19 bundles from the front bumper. The contents of the packages tested positive for methamphetamine. The total weight was 79.5 pounds, CBP said.
CBP said the woman was arrested, and she was turned over to the Texas Department of Public Safety to face state charges associated with the failed smuggling attempt.
The second incident happened on Sunday, June 29, at the Bridge of the Americas international crossing when a 49-year-old U.S. citizen driving a 2006 Honda Ridgeline attempted to make entry from Mexico, CBP said.
CBP said an officer working at the primary inspection booth selected the vehicle for a secondary exam after a low-energy portal scan revealed anomalies in the appearance of the truck. A CBP drug-sniffing dog alerted to the presence of narcotics during a sweep of the vehicle.
A nonintrusive X-ray scan of the car confirmed the presence of anomalies in the quarter panels. Officers continued their exam and removed 40 bundles from the hidden compartment. The contents of the packages tested positive for methamphetamine. The total weight was 47.8 pounds, CBP said.
CBP said officers arrested the woman, and she was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations special agents to face importation of controlled substances charges.
“The drug smuggling threat remains consistent, and CBP is well equipped to identify and stop these drug loads before they reach our shared communities,” CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha said. “Every drug seizure CBP makes could potentially save the life of someone.”
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