EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — It’s been a busy 10 days for U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at El Paso ports of entry during the past 10 days.
CBP is reporting that it has made several drug busts, arrested fugitives from justice and discovered multiple agricultural violations, CBP said in a news release.
The largest drug bust during the period occurred Aug. 19 at the Ysleta port of entry. CBP officers operating under the recently announced Operation Apollo X enforcement surge seized 150 pounds of methamphetamine, the agency said.
CBP agents seized 150 pounds of methamphetamine on Aug. 19 at the Ysleta port of entry. Photos by CBP
The seizure occurred shortly after 4 p.m. when an 18-year-old male U.S. citizen entered the port from Mexico. CBP officers at the primary inspection area selected his vehicle for a secondary x-ray scan which revealed numerous “anomalies” in the appearance of the car, according to CBP.
A CBP drug-sniffing dog searched the car and alerted officers to the presence of narcotics, according to a news release issued by CBP.
CBP officers continued their exam and located 129 bundles of methamphetamine in the door panels, roof, floor, and rear bumper of the car, according to the news release.
The driver was secured and turned over the Texas Department of Public Safety.
In addition to this drug seizure, area CBP officers also made additional methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana seizures during the time frame.
CBP officers also encountered 26 National Crime Information Center (NCIC) fugitives being sought by law enforcement. The NCIC arrests included people being sought for a variety of charges including sexual exploitation of a minor, fraud, drug charges, theft and more, according to CBP.
CBP agriculture specialist also administered $3,125 in penalties against 12 individuals who were encountered transporting prohibited agriculture products into the U.S. from Mexico. Seized items included pork, mangos, pomegranates, and live plants, according to CBP.
Members of the public are reminded to declare all products acquired abroad to CBP upon entry. If an item is declared and found to be prohibited, it can generally be abandoned with no consequence or penalty, CBP officials said.
CBP officers also seized two handguns and multiple rounds of ammunition during the period. They also recorded several intellectual property rights violations and seized more than $90,000 in unreported currency during this period. according to CBP.
Individuals arrested by CBP officers were turned over to federal and/or state authorities for prosecution.
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