CBP Officers Seize Currency, Cocaine and Methamphetamine
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
EL PASO (News Release) – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers working at the Ysleta Port of Entry intercepted $164,934 in unreported currency, a combined 39.2 pounds of cocaine and 9.25 pounds of methamphetamine on four separate failed smuggling attempts.
"During the hottest days of summer and the coldest winter nights CBP officers stand ready to uphold their homeland security mission," said CBP Ysleta Port Director Arnoldo Gomez. "We are prepared to protect our nation day in and day out."
On July 6, CBP officers encountered a 23-year-old male, Mexican citizen who arrived from Mexico via the vehicle lanes. The individual was referred for a secondary inspection of the vehicle which included screening by a CBP canine and non-intrusive exam. Physical inspection of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of multiple bundles in the engine area containing a total of 17.6 pounds of cocaine.
On July 11, CBP officers conducting outbound enforcement operations selected a vehicle driven by a 36-year-old male, Mexican citizen for a routine inspection. During secondary inspection of the vehicle, CBP officers discovered unreported bulk currency hidden underneath the center console area totaling $164,934.
On July 12, CBP officers encountered a 31-year-old female U.S. citizen who arrived from Mexico via the vehicle lanes. The individual was referred for a secondary inspection of the vehicle which included screening by a CBP canine and non-intrusive exam. A thorough search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of several packages concealed within the vehicle. The packages contained a total of 21.6 pounds of cocaine.
Later that same day, CBP officers encountered a 31-year-old male, Mexican citizen who arrived from Mexico via the vehicle lanes. The individual was referred for a secondary inspection of the vehicle which included screening by a CBP canine and non-intrusive exam. A thorough search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of 9.25 pounds of methamphetamine.
The cases were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations and or state/local authorities for further investigation.
