Photo: US Customs & Border Protection
DEMING – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Paso Del Norte international crossing in El Paso intercepted a drug smuggling attempt early Tuesday morning, seizing more than 16 pounds of methamphetamine and over two pounds of fentanyl from an 18-year-old U.S. citizen.
According to CBP, the seizure occurred just before 1 a.m. when the young man arrived from Mexico in a 2008 Nissan Altima. Officers selected the vehicle for further inspection, during which a CBP drug-sniffing dog detected narcotics. A subsequent Z-Portal scan revealed hidden compartments in the doors. Upon further examination, officers found 14 bundles of methamphetamine and one package of fentanyl.
“History has shown that smuggling organizations will use almost anyone to move their contraband into the United States,” said acting CBP El Paso Port Director Arnie Gomez. “We need to remain vigilant at all times because we have seen everyone from teens and senior citizens to families and single travelers all involved in the drug trade.”
The driver was taken into custody and transferred to special agents with Homeland Security Investigations. HSI has launched a full investigation, with federal charges pending for the attempted importation of controlled substances.
CBP officials emphasized their ongoing commitment to combating drug smuggling and protecting the nation’s borders.
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